Over 1,300 women call hepatitis C alert helpline after learning they could have been infected by gynaecologist



Confidential helplines have been set up for anyone who fears they are at risk of hepatitis C, which can cause serious liver damage (posed)

At least 1,300 women who fear they may have been infected with hepatitis C by a gynaecologist have called an emergency hotline after being alerted by health officials.

Thousands have been contacted after it emerged that the doctor may have unwittingly infected them.

Two women are known to have developed the virus after contracting it from the unnamed man, who has since retired.

Healthcare officials have written to 5,500 women who received gynaecological or obstetric treatment at three Welsh hospitals.

So far, 1,300 have called the hotline to arrange tests. In England, a further 400 former patients are being contacted, while patient records are being checked in Scotland and Northern Ireland, where he also worked.

Confidential helplines have been set up for anyone who fears they are at risk of hepatitis C, which can cause serious liver damage. It is passed on through sex or infected blood and is more common among drug addicts who catch it by sharing needles.

It is feared that the doctor may have passed on the infection after cutting his hand with a scalpel.

Many victims can be infected for years without any symptoms. The doctor only recently discovered he had the virus. But, without realising, he may have been infected for more than 30 years.

He worked at 11 hospitals in England between 1975 and 1983 before moving to Wales where he practised until he retired in 2002.

The two infected women contracted the virus while he was working at a hospital in Wales.

One woman who went for tests yesterday spoke of her ordeal at having to wait until later this month for the results. Council worker Elaine Luther said: ‘I am so stressed that I have been put in this position. To wait another two weeks for the results of the test is just a nightmare.’

It is feared that the doctor may have passed on the infection after cutting his hand with a scalpel

Miss Luther, from Aberbargoed, South Wales, had been treated at Caerphilly District Miners’ Hospital. She said: ‘I feel really annoyed – you put your faith in people like this.’

Dr Gill Richardson, of the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board in South Wales, said: ‘Since Wednesday our team has received around 1,300 calls from women that have received individual letters offering a blood test for hepatitis C. Specialist clinics will be held from today. The risk of transmission is low and testing is a precautionary measure.’

Letters being sent out to women do not name the gynaecologist. The health board say he is being treated as a patient and is entitled to his own confidentiality.

Around 255,000 people in England have hepatitis C, but few of them know. There were only 7,800 reported cases last year. If diagnosed promptly, it can be treated with injections or pills. Left untreated, it can cause scarring of the liver – or cirrhosis – which may lead to potentially fatal liver failure. Since 2007, health workers joining the NHS have been tested.

The hospitals where the doctor worked from 1975 to 1983 include the Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital in Grimsby; Burnley General Hospital; Bedford Hospital; Herts and Essex Hospital and the Medway Maritime Hospital. He also practised at the Cumberland Infirmary; Stepping Hill Hospital, Stockport; the Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch hospitals; Royal Cornwall Hospital and Peterborough City Hospital.