37 patients in TB scare (From Bournemouth Echo)

37 patients in TB scare

1:57pm Wednesday 13th June 2001

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More than 35 patients have been recalled to Barnet Hospital over fears they may have caught tuberculosis during their stay.

The alert was sparked after the hospital confirmed multiple sclerosis sufferer Colin Francis contracted TB in March, believed to be from another patient who ignored nurses' pleas to remain in his room.

Cleaners and porters who came into contact with Mr Francis have also been tested for the disease along with his family.

"I think it's terrible," said Mr Francis, 50. "It just goes to show that the guy who had TB originally should have been kept in isolation like I was, or otherwise there should be a special ward designed for people with TB.

"Look at the inconvenience and fear it has caused all of these people it is scary really. I don't think it is fair because they could have been speaking to their family without knowing they had got TB and passing it on. There could be an epidemic."

A spokesman for Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals NHS Trust confirmed it had written to 37 patients asking them back for precautionary tests.

Initial tests on 32 patients had so far proved negative but high-risk patients could be recalled for further examination, he added.

"Not all patients who were being treated on the ward are being recalled," he said. "Only those who are known to have spent long periods of time with the TB patient and those suffering with medical conditions which may make them more susceptible to TB."

Key facts:

TB can be carried in a dormant form which reasserts itself while a patient is taking medication

It can also be contracted by coming into close, prolonged contact over a number of hours with someone who has TB

It is easily treated using medication and the majority of people with TB are treated outside hospital

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