A HAMPSHIRE mum treated by the doctor at the centre of a hepatitis scare today spoke of her strong faith in him - as she awaits the outcome of a crucial blood test.

Antonia Craig is one of 329 former patients of Southampton's Princess Anne Hospital recalled for tests after an infection alert involving hospitals across Britain.

Her daughter Courtney, three, was born nine days overdue, in a caesarian delivery performed by the surgeon. He had also seen her at several ante-natal sessions at a city maternity clinic.

Mrs Craig, 28, believes the doctor should be allowed to continue working in medicine, even if it is too risky for him to operate.

The doctor, who has not been named, was diagnosed last week as suffering from the hepatitis C virus, which can cause life-threatening liver damage. He is on sick leave from his post in obstetrics and gynaecology at the Boston Pilgrim Hospital in Lincolnshire.

Managers there are awaiting advice from a Department of Health panel on whether he could ever be allowed to work again.

But Mrs Craig, of Peewit Hill, Bursledon, said: "I don't see why he shouldn't be able to work in a limited way. This virus can only be passed on through blood.

"Even if my test turns out to be positive, I would have no problem with him carrying on working. "I couldn't fault him in any way. He is a brilliant surgeon and he must be feeling awful now."

The mother-of-two, who could know her test's outcome today, added: "After my operation he came to see me in the ward. He was a really nice chap."

Peter Howie, family health manager at the Boston hospital, said: "As soon as he was aware he was positive, he stopped working and has co-operated fully. He is on leave until this is sorted out.

"We are awaiting further guidance from the UK Advisory Panel on what he can and cannot do in the future. We have also had a lot of people saying good things on his behalf.

"He is an extremely good and well-liked doctor." None of the 452 ex-patients tested in Boston was positive.

Patients recalled from the Princess Anne Hospital were all treated between July 1995 and July 1997.

Peter Lees, medical director of the Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "Not all patients treated by this doctor are at risk.

Anyone who doesn't receive a letter can rest assured that they are not affected."

The alert came after health officials concluded the doctor had passed the virus on to a patient during an operation. The risk of such transmissions is so low it was only the third recorded case ever.

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