Bringing quality care to people with hepatitis C, where they live in the Midland region
About 50,000 people in New Zealand have chronic hepatitis C. Only half of these people are aware they have the virus. If left untreated, hepatitis C can result in scarring in the liver, which stops it working properly. Liver damage can lead to liver cancer or liver failure.
The Midland Region Community Hepatitis C Service is a FREE mobile service covering the five Midland District Health Boards. The service actively works to ensure geographical coverage and reduce disparity. The Midland Community Hepatitis C Nurse has extensive experience working with people with hepatitis C, with two specialists providing oversight of the service.
The service uses a ‘one stop shop’ approach as much as possible to reduce patient visits within the health sector. Clinics are held in the community, so those with hepatitis C feel comfortable attending. Locations may include needle exchanges and community centres.
The Midland Region Community Hepatitis C Service provides a Fibroscan, which measures liver stiffness and is recommended for all patients with chronic hepatitis C. The scan result will be discussed with the patient at the Fibroscan appointment. Lifestyle, education, monitoring and treatment options will also be discussed, and an electronic response will be sent back to the referrer with the above information.
You can find out more about the Midland Region Hepatitis C Service work by viewing the 2018/2019 Workplan.
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