Three hepatitis C cases discovered by postal tests
AN NHS health service has sent out more than 50 hepatitis C postal tests to the Aldershot area and helped identify three people as needing treatment.
Hep C Hants P2P carries out testing events and educational talks in Hampshire, as well as providing peer support to those diagnosed or having treatment for hepatitis C.
The group, which will celebrate its ninth anniversary on Wednesday July 21, announced sending its 51st test on Wednesday June 23.
Louise Hansford, 50, hepatitis C elimination co-ordinator for the South for NHS addiction provider Alliance, said: “We have supported people to access treatment and get care for hepatitis C.
“Three people have come up positive and have started treatment, and they are people who might not have known had it not been for the test kits.
“As a result their partners have also been identified as needing treatment, that is something that if we did not do it their partners would not have been picked up.”
Ms Hansford added that the group is part of NHS Inclusion Recovery Hampshire, which provides services to around 2,500 people who use drugs and alcohol.
Hepatitis C is a virus that can infect the liver and sometimes cause serious and potentially life-threatening damage to the organ over many years if left untreated.
Alan Howard, Hep C Hants P2P co-ordinator, said: “This is a phenomenal partnership project, finding three people with hepatitis
C within the first six weeks and being able to link them straight into treatment is testament to the passion and commitment of our partners.
“I have no doubt these postal testing initiatives will save lives.”
CAMBERLEY residents have supported a Frimley-based charity to raise money improving services for dementia patients.
Frimley Health Charity works to save the lives of patients and improve the conditions for staff at Heatherwood, Frimley Park and Wexham Park hospitals by providing equipment and services. Through support from residents, the charity managed to raise £111.34 in Camberley town centre on Friday June 11, with the goal of reaching £1.1 million by 2023.
Fran Palliser, hospital and events fundraising officer at Frimley Health Charity, said: “We were delighted to get such a warm reception from the public. The money raised will help provide the best clinical and holistic care to our dementia patients.
“We are very grateful to Surrey Heath Borough Council for supporting our dementia campaign and we hope the community will continue to support us as we pledge to raise £1.1m to support dementia patients at Frimley NHS Foundation Trust.”
The charity also advertised its Run Frimley 2021 event, which is taking place at Frimley Park Hospital on Sunday September 26.
The charity hopes to set the national standard for excellence in patient safety, quality and continuous improvement for people living with dementia. More information about the appeal can be found on its website.