Liver disease is one of the main causes of death in the UK and hepatitis C is a major factor in its increase. Jayne Wilkie describes how an experimental nurse-led service in Liverpool has reduced hospitalisation
Brownlow Health is an inner-city practice in Liverpool. It has a high homeless population of whom many are hepatitis C-positive. In 2009 the practice employed a nurse to offer a novel service to screen for hepatitis C. This article discusses how the service has evolved and the barriers that have been overcome to make it a success. It also raises the issue of hepatitis C in public health terms, highlighting the potentially catastrophic impact on the NHS if the incidence of hepatitis C continues to be ignored by clinicians in the community. The article aims to inform readers about the treatment of hepatitis C from a nursing and patient perspective.
Primary Health Care. 23, 4, 22-25. doi: 10.7748/phc2013.05.23.4.22.e748
Correspondence Peer reviewThis article has been subject to double blind peer review
Conflict of interestNone declared
Received: 30 January 2013
Accepted: 03 March 2013
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