THERE will be worrying times ahead for the thousands of Gwent people facing health tests after being treated at local hospitals by an NHS worker carrying the hepatitis C virus.

Some 5,000 Gwent patients are being contacted by the Aneurin Bevan Health Board after a former care worker who retired a decade ago was found to have hepatitis C.

The worker - who did not know they carried the virus - was involved in obstetric and gynaecological treatment almost 30 years.

There is no blame attached to the worker and the board is to commended for its prompt action.

Former patients who may have been treated by the care worker will be receiving letters from the health board asking them to book an appointment for a test.

The letter will undoubtedly be alarming for the majority of recipients.

But there is no reason to panic.

The best course of action for anyone receiving a letter from the health board is to follow the advice and instructions contained within it.

While it is difficult to know how many people may have been infected with the virus, there is every chance it will be a small number.

It is important, therefore, for recipients of the letter to take note of its contents but not be alarmed unnecessarily.

The vast majority of patients treated by this person will not have hepatitis C - and it is important that all those contacted by the health board remember that.