$4 MILLION BOOST FOR HEPATITIS C TREATMENT

The Beattie Government has invested an additional $4 million over three years to help provide better hepatitis C treatment to Queensland patients.

Health Minister Stephen Robertson announced the funding today to coincide with Hepatitis C Awareness Week.

Mr Robertson said the extra funding would finance the Shared Care Program – a partnership between public hospitals and general practitioners – to ensure a more coordinated approach to treatment and support for hepatitis C patients.

He said dedicated nurses and psychologists would also be recruited to support patients and liaise between their specialists and GPs.

“This is another example of the Beattie Government working to improve links between GPs and local hospitals,” Mr Robertson said.

“Every week up to 60 new cases of hepatitis C are reported in Queensland and about 40,000 Queenslanders are currently living with the condition.

“The hepatitis C infection attacks the liver causing inflammation and scarring and can lie undiagnosed for many years with people not experiencing symptoms until the disease is quite advanced.

“If the virus is not treated, the long-term health concerns include cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer.

“But the good news is that in up to 85 percent of patients who complete the treatment for hepatitis C the virus can be totally eradicated.

“That’s why this program is so important in bringing local GPs and hospital medical and nursing staff together to better manage ongoing treatment and support for patients.

“The Shared Care Program provides joint treatment and care to help hepatitis C patients to complete the full 24 – 48 weeks of anti-viral treatment for the disease.”


Mr Robertson said the Hepatitis C Shared Chare Program was part of the Queensland Government’s HIV, Hepatitis C and Sexually Transmissible Infections Strategy 2005-2011.

4 October, 2006


MEDIA:     MATTHEW JUTSUM     3225 2680