SOLIHULL Integrated Addiction Services has announced it has maintained micro-elimination of Hepatitis C (Hep C) for an impressive two and a half years.
The achievement was led by Senior Nurse, Laura Aldridge, supported by Hep C U Later, an NHS initiative of the NHS Addictions Provider Alliance commissioned by the NHS England Viral Hepatitis Elimination Programme, on a mission to eliminate hepatitis C in England.
Hepatitis C is a blood borne virus that can cause serious damage to the liver and can be life-threatening. The virus is spread through exposure to infected blood.
There are many ways a person can acquire the virus, and the symptoms can go unnoticed for many years.
Hep C U Later is making a big difference in its campaign to eliminate viral hepatitis, improve liver health and reduce harm.
The service supports professionals with education and resources to help them say #HepCULater.
Community drug and alcohol services are a key priority for Hep C U Later due to the risks of exposure to the virus from using needles that have not been sterilised properly or when drug use equipment is shared.
Even if blood does not look visible on these items, small amounts can still be there, so it is important that anyone at risk gets tested and gets treatment which can cure the virus.
Laura said: “We are extremely proud to have achieved micro-elimination as meeting the stringent criteria has involved a huge effort from the SIAS team who have all worked together to achieve this.
“The testing programme was extensive, both at our centre in Marston Green and out in the community and required considerable analysis of data and co-ordination with our team of practitioners.
“We would like to thank Hep C U Later for all their support in achieving this goal.”
Visit hepctest.nhs.uk/ref/cul to order a free hepatitis C test to your home address.
