Suspected tuberculosis case in Southern Trust healthcare worker

Statement issued jointly by the Southern Health and Social Care Trust and the Public Health Agency

The Southern Health and Social Care Trust and the Public Health Agency (PHA) have confirmed that a healthcare worker in Craigavon Area Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department has a suspected case of tuberculosis (TB). The healthcare worker worked at A&E before showing possible signs of TB. As soon as the risk was identified the healthcare worker stopped clinical duties.

Michael Devine, Consultant in Public Health Medicine, Public Health Agency, said: “The PHA is aware of the situation which involves a suspected case of TB in a healthcare worker. The risk of transmission of the disease is low. We are working with the Southern Trust to ensure that national guidance on these incidents, including a review of contacts, is followed."