W2C-014 Clare Champion-2.txt
Patients Test Positive in Hepatitis Screen

FIVE of the patients who attended the Hepatitis B screening programme at Limerick Regional Hospital on Friday last have tested positive for infection, according to a statement issued by the Mid-Western Health Board on Wednesday.

Out of a total of 1,520 patients, mainly from the Clare/Limerick area, who were contacted by the Health Board, 407 attended the screening programme and the five patients who tested positive have been contacted to reattend for further tests.

The screening programme was ordered after Dr. Umesh Gaud who worked in five Irish hospitals during the late 1980s was convicted in London last October for practising while knowingly concealing the fact that he suffered from Hepatitis B. He is now serving a jail sentence in Britain.

Dr. Gaud had worked in the Accident and Emergency Department at the Regional Hospital, Limerick for six months in 1987.

However, Regional Hospital General Manager, Ian Carter said this week that there was still no evidence that Dr. Gaud had caused any infection to any of the hospital's patients during his stay in Limerick.

Meanwhile, the screening programme continues at the Regional Hospital this week and the special Helpline 1800-512500 is available to the public between 9.30 a.m. and 5.00 p.m.

Results of tests are made available within 48 hours.
