Two families have already contacted a Middlesbrough firm of solicitors after being told they have a small chance of contracting the killer disease.

Twenty four people have been told they were operated on at Middlesbrough General Hospital with equipment previously used on woman later diagnosed with sporadic CJD.

Peter Faulkes, a partner of Armstrong Faulkes solicitors in Middlesbrough, say he expects more families to consider legal action.

It is a ticking time bomb that I have to live with

Middlesbrough patient

Mr Faulkes said: "The people who have approached me are still trying to come to terms with this.

"It is not something one would wish on one's worst enemy.

"This is a real risk and one they now have to live with for the rest of their lives."

The hospital has contacted almost all those at risk and offered counselling and support.

Surgical instruments

The hospital said it did follow official guidelines on when instruments should be removed from use.

But it admitted it had not fully implemented rules on identifying and tracking surgical instruments issued three years ago.

The Chief Medical Officer has ordered an inquiry into the affair.

Mr Faulkes said: "I welcome the terms of the inquiry and an examination of what happened at a local level.

"This is looking at whether the hospital did all it should to comply with guidelines.

"Ultimately we may have to wait until the inquiry is over before we know whether anyone will have a claim against the hospital or the health authority."

'Give blood'

One of the patients involved has critices the hospital's handling of the affair.

The Middlesbrough father, who does not want to be named, said: "When I went to the hospital, it was one big kiss-off.

"I was disgusted. I am horrified with the way they handled it.

"I was just told not to give blood and to contact my dentist and so on and that was it.

"Now it is a ticking time bomb that I have to live with."

The middle-aged former patient underwent an operation at the hospital in August.