BBC News Online: Health

Hepatitis C alert at hospitals

More than 200 women and 30 babies are being called for blood tests after it emerged they may have come into contact with a health worker carrying hepititis C.

Patients at two hospitals in Essex and Surrey are involved in the alert.

At the Princess Alexandra Hospital at Harlow in Essex, 67 women and seven babies could be affected.

At Epsom General Hospital in Surrey 161 women and 23 babies are being asked to take the precautionary tests.

Low risk

Mark Purcell, an NHS spokesman, said the tests were precautionary and that the risk of infection was very slim.

All patients thought to be at risk will be informed in writing.

They may have been treated by the health worker between autumn last year and early this year

The member of staff, is no longer working at either hospital, but remains in the NHS.

Hepatitis C is a virus which circulates in the blood and may cause inflammation of the liver.

The infection can also be passed from a sufferer through contact with their blood.

One in five people with hepatitis C recover completely. In some cases the infection can cause chronic liver disease.

An information line has been set up by the hospitals through NHS Direct on 0845 4647.