PATIENTS at Taunton’s Musgrove Park Hospital have been reassured after a member of staff was diagnosed with tuberculosis.

Patients who were treated by the member of staff received a letter last week reassuring them that any risk of infection is low.

The hospital has also offered screening tests to patients at higher risk.

Medical director Dr Cecil Blumgart said “All the evidence shows that cross infection with TB only occurs between those who are very closely connected, such as people who live together. “Even under those circumstances, the risk is not great. “However, we are aware that patients could be concerned and to eliminate any doubt have written to patients to offer reassurance and a screening test for those in certain vulnerable groups.”