Telford and Wrekin on track to eliminate Hepatitis C
Telford and Wrekin is on track to eliminate Hepatitis C by 2025 following confirmation of the successful micro-elimination of the virus within the Telford & Wrekin drug and alcohol service.
Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus which can cause liver disease, cancer and premature death.
Inclusion, part of Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust and Telford & Wrekin Council are working in partnership to eliminate the virus in the borough through the Telford Stars service.
The NHS has set a goal to eliminate Hepatitis C by 2025 thanks to advancements in treatment and unprecedented level of collaboration led by NHS England - five years before the WHO's 2030 target.
The joint-working and ground-breaking treatment has helped find and cure people of the potentially fatal disease, saving lives and improving health.
Simple blood spot testing, outreach, and needle exchange services in community pharmacies have helped to eliminate the virus in addition to treatment.
Cllr Kelly Middleton (Lab), the Cabinet Member for Healthy, Safer & Stronger Communities and Partnerships, said:
"We are delighted that the micro-elimination of Hepatitis C within the Telford & Wrekin drug and alcohol service.
"The Telford Stars service that we commission has done an incredible job, and I want to say well done to all the staff there.
"We need to remain vigilant and continue to support the NHS's effort to eradicate the virus by 2025 - it's not over yet.
"We are exploring the potential of setting up a contact tracing service to help track down and contain any outbreaks in the borough of Hepatitis C among people who inject drugs.
"We also want to roll out more needle exchange services to local pharmacies.
"Hepatis C infections are still likely to be found in Telford and Wrekin, but the more we can do to eliminate this virus, the less time we will need to spend on treating it in future.
"The virus still exists in the wider community, so people need to remain aware of the virus and to seek testing if needed.”
Taj Singh, Head of Operations for Inclusion, said:
“It is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the Telford STARS team who have committed themselves to improving many lives.
“As a NHS provider of services I am so proud that we have played our part to eliminate Hepatitis C through our successful elimination initiatives, I am delighted that we are one of few services that have made significant progress to eliminate the virus ahead of 2030."
People infected with hepatitis C often experience few or no symptoms and can live with the virus for many years without being diagnosed, increasing the risk of severe liver damage.
Testing and treating Hepatitis C has never been easier and can be cured with a short course of medication.
People are at risk of getting hepatitis C if they have ever injected drugs, have had dental or medical treatment in a high-risk country, had a tattoo or piercing with non-sterile equipment, received an infected blood transfusion or had sexual contact with an infected person.
To find out more about testing and treatment, call Telford Stars 0300 456 4291 or visit www.hepculater.com.
