First-time mum Jeannie Ellis said she had to share a room with another mother and the mother's partner overnight, in contravention of the hospital's visiting policy. She said the man believed to be the carrier of the disease stayed in the room for about 12 hours until Dr Ellis's demands to be moved were met by staff.

The Canberra Times revealed yesterday four babies including a 10-week-premature newborn were exposed to active tuberculosis at the hospital on September3. The case was identified last month when a doctor referred the carrier to Canberra Hospital.

Yesterday the Sunday Canberra Times was told general visiting hours in the maternity ward were from 11am to 1pm and 3pm to 8pm. But ACT Chief Health Officer Charles Guest said it was common for new parents to stay the night in both shared and private rooms.

He said no hospital rules had been broken.

For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times