16 Step it up for Hep C
Resolution submitted by the RCN Health Visitors and Public Health Forum
That this meeting of RCN Congress call for more government funding to fully support the Hepatitis C strategy
- Work led by the Nursing Development Committee with input from the Public Policy Committee
- Lead RCN Council member: Jenny Booth
At Congress 2007, delegates highlighted the need to raise greater awareness about the disease, as well as securing ongoing financial investment and commitment.
A group of relevant RCN forum members, together with an RCN Council lead and a Professional Nursing Adviser, was formed to conduct the work on this resolution. Several teleconferences have been conducted, along with a 'search' of the literature. A brief report has been requested; this will be conducted by two members of the group and is currently pending. A Department of Health contact for this issue has also now been identified and a meeting is scheduled for early 2008.
A flurry of press coverage surrounding this issue appeared in November 2007, which the Department of Health in England appears to have kick-started after a long period of inactivity. Its hepatitis C awareness campaign, launched in 2004 and called FaCe It, aims to increase awareness of hepatitis C and its prevention, diagnosis and treatment. In November 2007, the DH (England) initiated a new four week FaCe It advertising campaign in national newspapers and regional radio stations. Adverts also appeared in the top ten Asian press titles to help drive awareness in the South Asian community. This latest advertising campaign encourages people to assess think about how hepatitis C is transmitted, and to consider whether they have been at risk. Relevant groups are encouraged to see their GP for testing. The groups listed include those who received blood tranfusions before 1991or blood products before 1986, injecting drug users, those who have had unprotected sex with a carrier or used razors or toothbrushes which may have been contaminated with infected blood, those who have had medical or dental treatment abroad, tattoos, body piercings or acupuncture where unsterile equipment may have been used. The press coverage gives a helpline number and a dedicated website at www.hepc.nhs.uk
A strategy has been in place in Scotland for some time, as well as the government-led and well-funded campaign, Hepatitis C Action Plan for Scotland. Similarly, Northern Ireland has the Strategic Framework and Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Hepatitis C for Northern Ireland, which includes a detailed professional and public awareness raising that would be undertaken in 2004 to 2007. In Wales, a national government-led campaign is currently under consideration as they develop their national strategy and action plan.
While there has been increased activity surrounding this subject in recent months, there is still a need to continue to lobby the appropriate government departments for more funding, research and a greater engagement with 'at risk' groups.