Nursing home in TB screen alert

Tests for Tuberculosis are now been carried out

Residents at an Aberdeenshire nursing home are being screened for tuberculosis after a member of staff fell ill, BBC Scotland can reveal.

It is understood the member of staff at the privately run Pitcairn Lodge in Kirkton of Skene became unwell within the last fortnight.

NHS Grampian said the testing at the nursing home was a precautionary measure.

A spokesperson said the illness was "not particularly infectious".

'Routine measure'

A screening programme is under way for residents, who have been offered chest x-rays or blood tests. Experts are still waiting for the results.

Other staff at the home in Kirkton of Skene have also been informed.

An NHS Grampian spokesperson told BBC Scotland: "It would be rare for this infection to have been passed on to other residents or staff members.

"However, NHS Grampian has written to all the residents in the care home. As a routine precautionary measure the residents are being offered screening for TB.

"Letters have also been sent to staff working in the care home. No screening for staff is considered necessary at this time."