EmailIntegrated Hepatitis C Services
About Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus that causes inflammation (swelling and pain) of the liver. This virus is present in the blood of an infected person and can be spread through blood-to-blood contact. In Australia, it is commonly spread through sharing unsterile needles, syringes and other injecting drug equipment. There is currently no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C infection but treatment is effective for around 50 to 80 per cent of people. Treatment can help decrease inflammation of the liver and, for some people, can be effective in clearing the virus infection.
About the Integrated Hepatitis C Service
The Victorian Government has provided $4.1 million over 4 years (2010-11 to 2013-14) to fund 12 specialist hepatology nurses to improve access to Hepatitis C (HCV) treatment, especially for hard to reach populations.
Improved access to treatment will be achieved by:
- increasing service coordination, medical treatment and supervision in ambulatory settings (particularly in high caseload GP clinics) for patients with hepatitis C
- providing GPs and other health professionals with the education, skills and support to expand shared / community care hepatitis C treatment models in Victoria.
