HEALTH experts have met to discuss how they can eliminate hepatitis C in Herefordshire.

The meeting was part of a programme which is being rolled out across the county to increase awareness and treatment of the curable blood borne virus.

In Herefordshire there an estimated 40 percent of people thought to be ‘at-risk’ who remain undiagnosed, while less than four out of every 10 newly diagnosed patients receive treatment and 20 percent are not referred to a specialist.

Charities Addaction and The Hepatitis C Trust, and AbbVie (a global biopharmaceutical company), are calling on healthcare commissioners, councillors, clinical and public health experts to better identify those with hepatitis C and treat them in the community.

Their call to action is backed up by the results of their successful three-year South West Hepatitis C Partnership pilot (2014 to 16) that demonstrated the positive impact of interventions such as peer-to-peer education, drug and alcohol team workforce education, and buddying.

Sue Eldred, lead clinical nurse specialist for gastroenterology and hepatology at the Wye Valley NHS Trust, said: "We want to encourage and widen access to hepatitis C testing and treatment among people who inject drugs so it’s encouraging that Addaction is to bring its expertise to Herefordshire to increase the amount of testing and treatment support available to those affected.

“Many patients every year who have tested positive for hepatitis C subsequently fail to attend clinic appointments. We’re working hard to eliminate hepatitis C in Herefordshire and we welcome the support from Addaction."

Hepatitis C often goes unnoticed due to a lack of presenting symptoms.Without treatment, people can develop potentially fatal liver cancer or end stage liver disease.

Improved health services will aim to ensure those diagnosed can access treatment and care in the area, while providing additional support and education through drug and alcohol services.

Professor Rod Thomson, director of public health for Herefordshire, said: "I am pleased that Herefordshire has been selected to further build on the pilot in South West England.

"We will be working together with our partners to better promote awareness of hepatitis C across the county, including encouraging those who may have put themselves at risk of infection to come forward for screening."