The Royal Adelaide Hospital Viral Hepatitis Centre is 1 year old !!!!! It was our vision to provide a supportive clinical service which is responsive to the needs of the South Australian hepatitis C affected community (& as it turns out, to a couple of Victorians also!). We have focused particularly on assessment, management and the treatment of hepatitis C. The treatment focus has seen the implementation of a Shared Care Program. This program guides the GP and patient through the assessment and treatment process, empowering them with clear instruction on scheduling of doctor’s appointments and blood testing requirements. It provides the patient and their support person/s with an environment to discuss expected outcomes of treatment and the potential side effects of treatment. It is also a forum to explore wider hep C related issues. The addition of the Clinical Nurse Consultant (Co-ordinator) has meant greater access to experienced advice on hepatitis C care.
and Ribavirin (Pegylated Interferon is also available in limited supply), which we feel is a maximum number to provide a quality service. The waiting time for someone to start treatment is around 6 months once the Specialist has reviewed the patient and prescribed the drug – this waiting period will vary depending on specific patient need. One of our objectives is to prioritise the need for treatment, and currently for those in greatest need the wait is around 8 weeks. We are always mindful that treatments with improved outcomes are becoming more available. A satisfaction survey is underway to get feedback from the patient’s, Specialists and GP’s who have taken part in the shared care program over this past year. The results should be available within the next couple of months and will help us to identify the strengths, weaknesses and opportunities of our program.
Catherine Bunting
We have found the program useful for particular groups within our community. For example, the expectation on rural patients to travel to a metropolitan location to receive care is greatly decreased. Patients within correctional facilities now have the opportunity to access treatment whilst incarcerated. The shift of follow-up appointments from treating Specialist to the local GP has been particularly user friendly for people from linguistically and culturally diverse backgrounds, who will often choose a GP from their own culture, and one who speaks their language. We are currently treating around 50 patients at any one time, with the combination of Interferon
We welcome all feedback… so don’t be shy!
To be referred to our clinic just speak with your GP. Referrals to:
The Viral Hepatitis Centre Royal Adelaide Hospital Nth Terrace SA 5000 Ph (08) 8222 2081 Fax (08) 8222 5883
Catherine Bunting Clinical Nurse Consultant Viral Hepatitis Centre Royal Adelaide Hospital
Hepatitis C Community News
Issue 22
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