A laboratory assistant at Cairns Hospital has been diagnosed with tuberculosis, forcing about 80 co-workers to undergo testing and possible treatment. Staff are furious about being exposed to the infectious disease since the man started working for Queensland Health about three months ago and all new employees must be screened for tuberculosis before they start work. A Pathology Queensland colleague, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of being sacked, said authorities were “sweeping it under the carpet like it’s nothing”.
