HSE offers hundreds of tests over hep B fears

SEVEN hundred patients who may have come in contact with hepatitis B patients at Waterford Regional Hospital (WRH) in the past year received letters yesterday, offering them precautionary screening for the infection.

A further 200 patients who attended Wexford General Hospital over the same period, from January 2005 to February 2006, were also sent letters from the Public Health Department on Monday, informing them of possible exposure to the virus which, in serious cases, can cause death.

Each of the patients is being asked to attend their GP for a precautionary blood test.