A CONTRACTOR fell through a ceiling at Hereford County Hospital.

The man was checked over by A&E staff for minor injuries on Monday morning following the accident in the hospital's back offices.

Seven members of staff were put through the hospital's decontamination unit as a precaution, while the area was sealed off so that tests on air, dust and debris could be undertaken.

However, hospital spokesman John Burnett said that no asbestos was found.

Robert Money, who was in the A&E department at the time of the incident, said that staff dealt with the situation very well.

"I saw a variety of drinks being handed out to staff victims who had inhaled dust thought to have been asbestos related - they took no chances and collected all used tissues in hazardous waste bags," said Robert.

"There was no fuss or noticeable disruption to the public using A&E as the wonderful staff nurses just kept people moving throughout."