The Northern Health and Social Care Trust has recently learned that a healthcare worker who worked in the Maternity & Gynaecology Department in Mid-Ulster Hospital only, from January to November 1979, has been diagnosed with Hepatitis C.
The risk of transmission to patients is very small however, as a precaution, the Trust has established a Helpline and is asking anyone who was treated in the Mid Ulster Hospital Maternity and Gynaecology Unit at that time to phone the helpline on 028 94424804.
Hepatitis C is a virus that can damage the liver. There is only a small chance that a person might have the Hepatitis C virus transmitted through contact with an infected healthcare worker. However, transmission is rare. Most people initially show no symptoms and can remain well for a number of years.
Dr Robin Ashe, Clinical Director for Obstetrics & Gynaecology within the Northern Trust, said: “I wish to emphasise that the risk of infection is very small however, we appreciate the concern and distress that this may cause and are therefore offering screening, as a precaution, to anyone who was treated in the unit during the defined time period.
“If you were treated in the Maternity and Gynaecology Department in Mid-Ulster Hospital between 11th January and 4th November 1979 please contact our Helpline on 028 9442 4804. The helpline is open seven days a week from 8.30am to 8.30pm and staff will be able to guide you as to whether you need to have a blood test undertaken. If you do need tested staff will arrange an appointment for you at an outpatient clinic and will answer any questions or queries you may have.”
