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Hepatitis C: Clinics timetabled over infection fear Hepatitis C: Clinics timetabled over infection fear
(about 1 hour later)
Clinics are starting to test former hospital patients for Hepatitis C after a health worker was diagnosed with the infection.Clinics are starting to test former hospital patients for Hepatitis C after a health worker was diagnosed with the infection.
Some 5,000 women who were linked to the worker, who has since retired, have been offered tests.Some 5,000 women who were linked to the worker, who has since retired, have been offered tests.
The first specialist clinic was being held on Friday and 43 will be held over the next five weeks.The first specialist clinic was being held on Friday and 43 will be held over the next five weeks.
So far 1,400 women have contacted health officials with 1,000 test appointments made.So far 1,400 women have contacted health officials with 1,000 test appointments made.
Public health officials said they were "really pleased" with the response from women who had received a letter offering tests.Public health officials said they were "really pleased" with the response from women who had received a letter offering tests.
Two patients are known to have contracted the virus but Aneurin Bevan University Health Board - which covers the former Gwent area - said the risk of infection was low.Two patients are known to have contracted the virus but Aneurin Bevan University Health Board - which covers the former Gwent area - said the risk of infection was low.
Hepatitis C is a virus which can lead to inflammation of the liver. If untreated, the infection can cause chronic liver disease and, very rarely, cancer of the liver.Hepatitis C is a virus which can lead to inflammation of the liver. If untreated, the infection can cause chronic liver disease and, very rarely, cancer of the liver.
One woman attending one of the first clinics for a test said it was a "nightmare" having to wait for results.
"I am so stressed that I have been put in this position," said council worker Elaine Luther, one of the women invited for tests.
"And to wait another two weeks for the results of the test is just a nightmare," said Ms Luther from Aberbargoed in Caerphilly.
Ms Luther said she called to make an appointment after finding a letter marked "strictly confidential" waiting at her home on Wednesday.
She explained she had received treatment several years ago at Caerphilly District Miners Hospital.
"I feel really annoyed. You put your faith in people like this," she said.
"I have been to other hospitals for treatment and it makes me think what else could have happened.
"I am getting married this year and this has just put a big black cloud over the wedding."
Deborah Marsh, from Nelson in Caerphilly county, said she had a gut feeling she would receive a letter - which arrived on Friday morning.Deborah Marsh, from Nelson in Caerphilly county, said she had a gut feeling she would receive a letter - which arrived on Friday morning.
The 43-year-old added: "I think it's awful and it makes you wonder what else is out there.The 43-year-old added: "I think it's awful and it makes you wonder what else is out there.
"You think through your mind how many times you've had to deal with the gynaecology department."You think through your mind how many times you've had to deal with the gynaecology department.
"I intend to have a blood test and I suppose it's going to be a very stressful time waiting for the result."I intend to have a blood test and I suppose it's going to be a very stressful time waiting for the result.
"Day-to-day life... is stressful and you don't need this to add to it.""Day-to-day life... is stressful and you don't need this to add to it."
The alert was raised after the health board, which covers the former Gwent area, learnt a retired obstetrics and gynaecology worker had tested positive for the illness.The alert was raised after the health board, which covers the former Gwent area, learnt a retired obstetrics and gynaecology worker had tested positive for the illness.
The individual mainly worked at Caerphilly District Miners Hospital but also worked briefly at Wrexham Maelor Hospital and the old East Glamorgan Hospital near Pontypridd.The individual mainly worked at Caerphilly District Miners Hospital but also worked briefly at Wrexham Maelor Hospital and the old East Glamorgan Hospital near Pontypridd.
Patients at a number of hospitals around the UK in the 1970s and 1980s are also being contacted if they were treated by the worker.Patients at a number of hospitals around the UK in the 1970s and 1980s are also being contacted if they were treated by the worker.
Aneurin Bevan University Health Board has arranged a series of nurse-led clinics to test those in Wales who come forward.Aneurin Bevan University Health Board has arranged a series of nurse-led clinics to test those in Wales who come forward.
The majority will be held at Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr in Ystrad Mynach and at the Royal Gwent Hospital.The majority will be held at Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr in Ystrad Mynach and at the Royal Gwent Hospital.
The health board's public health director, Dr Gill Richardson, said: "We would encourage all women who receive a letter to contact the dedicated helpline number which is contained in each letter, to arrange their test as soon as possible.The health board's public health director, Dr Gill Richardson, said: "We would encourage all women who receive a letter to contact the dedicated helpline number which is contained in each letter, to arrange their test as soon as possible.
"We need to again stress that the risk of transmission is low and testing is being provided as a precautionary measure.""We need to again stress that the risk of transmission is low and testing is being provided as a precautionary measure."
People who have not received a letter but still have concerns are advised to contact NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or contact their GP.People who have not received a letter but still have concerns are advised to contact NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or contact their GP.