A DOCTOR has tested positive for the MRSA bug, but is still operating on patients.

Consultant anaesthetist Stuart Hargrave is receiving treatment for the bug, which is resistant to antibiotics, but he is continuing to work in operating theatres.

The infection was identified last week when staff at the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI), in Newcastle, were screened.

Hospital bosses said the appropriate infection control measures have been taken and that Dr Hargrave can continue to work during his treatment.

Tony Field, chairman of the MRSA support group, himself a sufferer, said: "Until this doctor is proved clear, he should not be carrying on with operations.

"It is encouraging the hospital are testing their staff, in fact the RVI are better than a lot of other hospitals.

"But really though, even though he will be wearing a face-mask, he should be stopped from operations until he has got rid of the bug, especially if he is working with high-risk patients like burns victims."

In a statement, Newcastle Hospitals Trust said: "A member of staff was found to be MRSA positive on routine screening and was therefore undergoing eradication therapy. The infection control doctors gave approval to work in the clinical setting providing necessary precautions were strictly adhered to, and these were."

Dr Hargrave declined to comment.