A DROITWICH Spa family has described their joy after their five-year-old daughter was finally given the HIV and Hepatitis all-clear - seven months after she was pricked by a drug user's needle.

Martin Griffin, of Thatcher's Court, Westlands, Droitwich, said that they were "over the moon" when they found out that there was no sign of the diseases in Andrea.

The 45-year-old said: "We have been telling everyone. Where we live there is a close community and people have been asking how Andrea is, and now we can tell them she is okay."

However, the family still intends to make a formal complaint against Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

Andrea was taken to the hospital's A&E department last August after she found a syringe near to her home and accidentally pierced her skin.

The family was told by staff treating Andrea that more tests would be carried out in November. But this never happened.

They became increasingly frustrated by not being able to find out from the hospital why it was taking so long for the tests to be carried out.

They were eventually told the good news on Monday, March 13 - a week after Andrea went into hospital for the blood to be taken for testing.

Even then, Andrea had to be sedated because she has developed a fear of medical staff as a result of the saga.

Mr Griffin added: "I have been to see a lady from the Citizens Advice Bureau. She is going to help me compose a letter. The stress of waiting for the results wasn't that bad - the stress from not being able to get through to the hospital and find out what was going on was incredible."

A spokesman for the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust said: "We are pleased for the Griffin family if they have received the outcome that they wanted.

"If they have any further concerns we'd advise them to contact us directly in writing. We will respond fully to them."

By Christopher Flavell