The Magazine of Hepatitis Victoria
October 2015
Good Liver a light at the end of the
PBAC In spite of the PBAC recommendations this year, the latest hepatitis treatment medicines are still awaiting consideration by the Federal Cabinet and a listing date has not yet been confirmed.
TUNNEL
Inaugural World Hepatitis Summit The recent World Hepatitis Summit, held in Scotland from 2 – 4 September sought to upscale response to hepatitis and address the need for a global forum to examine new health approaches.
Providing hepatitis services free of discrimination Cohealth is working with the Royal Melbourne Hospital to provide hepatitis C services free of stigma and discrimination.
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Staff
Contact and postal address:
Melanie Eagle
Hepatitis Victoria
CEO Telephone: 9385 9102 melanie@hepvic.org.au
Suite 5, 200 Sydney Road, Brunswick, Victoria 3056. Telephone: (03) 9380 4644 Facsimile: (03) 9380 4688 Email: admin@hepvic.org.au Website: www.hepvic.org.au
HepatitisInfoline
1800 703 003
Garry Irving Programs and Operations Manager Telephone: 9385 9109 garryi@hepvic.org.au Martin Forrest Health Promotion Program Manager Telephone: 9385 9111 martin@hepvic.org.au Damian Salt Office Coordinator Telephone: 9380 4644 admin@hepvic.org.au Susan Peterson Health Promotion Officer Telephone: 9385 9105 susan@hepvic.org.au Aurora Tang Health Promotion Officer Telephone: 9385 9103 aurora@hepvic.org.au Melissa Wright Health Promotion Officer Telephone: 9385 9104 melissa@hepvic.org.au Shinen Wong Health Promotion Officer Telephone: 9385 9108 shinen@hepvic.org.au Toni-Marie Wuelfert Development Coordinator Telephone: 9385 9110 tonimarie@hepvic.org.au Marina Mazza Community Participation Project Officer Telephone: 9385 9112 marina@hepvic.org.au
Good Liver is produced by Hepatitis Victoria, with support from the Victorian Government. The opinions and language expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of Hepatitis Victoria or the Department of Health.
Reader response Your comments or experiences in regard to any articles in Good Liver are welcome. Email: admin@hepvic.org.au
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Shaun Knott Digital and Online Services Officer Telephone: 9385 9106 shaun@hepvic.org.au Sophie Broughton-Cunningham Policy and Advocacy Officer Telephone: 9385 9123 sophie@hepvic.org.au Graphic Design: Swivel Design 0435 733 206
Contents
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Communiqué
From the desk of the Chief Executive Officer
4
De-livering the news
7
PBAC
Momentous recommendations still await Government go-ahead
8
Western Action Forum
9
Public speakers
Shining a lght on hepatitis
10
World Hepatitis Day and Western Liverability Festival
12
Wrap-up
Street Shot 2015
Haunting images from young people aim to save lives
14
Inaugural World Hepatitis Summit
Scotland, 2–4 September. Report back
16
Reaching rural Victoria
17
New Hep Hero
Allen’s Story
18
Providing hepatitis services free of stigma and discrimination
cohealth offer new health service in partnership with Royal Melbourne Hospital.
19
See, I’m invisible
Poem - Allan Dumbleton
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Liver clinics
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Contacts
Communique
From the desk of the Chief Executive Officer
R
ecently I have observed how the global push to end hepatitis has become
more emphatic. This is highlighted by the combined efforts of individuals and organisations here and overseas, and is reflected in the many events and initiatives that have taken place in recent weeks. The World Health Organisation (WHO) is developing a World Hepatitis Strategy for the
first time, and the first ever World Hepatitis
function for community and industry
Summit was convened in Scotland at the
members. It is the first time that the State
beginning of September.
has hosted a WHD function.
This was in response to last year’s World
More significantly, the Minister announced
Health Assembly Resolution calling for
at the end of August that the Andrews
concerted action to reverse the ever-rising
government had committed to developing
death toll from viral hepatitis.
a Victorian strategy for viral hepatitis.
Here in Australia, the recent campaign
There is much goodwill and good work being
for World Hepatitis Day (WHD) on 28 July
undertaken. I look forward to the ongoing
was themed around “Time for action”. It
impact of all this effort – globally, nationally
highlighted the need to get tested, have a
and in Victoria. I certainly hope it will be wide
liver check-up, and ask about treatment.
reaching.
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory
We have come a long way. We have a long
Committee (PBAC) recommended yet
way to go. But hopefully we can now say
another interferon-free drug combination
there is a light at the end of the tunnel…
should be added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
Melanie Eagle
It is now up to the Federal Government to act on this recommendation and make the treatments widely available to those living with hepatitis C. In Victoria, the Minister for Health hosted the inaugural World Hepatitis Day (WHD)
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De-livering the news Every SKiNKtale a Winner On 28 July, World Hepatitis Day, after 48 entries and eight weekly
For further details please contact Beverly Cooper on: (03) 9231 3581, or email: Beverly.Cooper@svha.org.au
winners, we announced the SKiNK grand prize winner, Maurice, for his following entry: “I have had hep b since I was 4. The image on the left is the virus under a microscope. Since the virus will never leave me neither will the tattoo”.
New Clinic at Collingwood Dr Jacqui Richmond, a research fellow from ARCSHS, together with Lyn Morgain, CEO of cohealth launched, on World Hepatitis Day, a new project aimed at “Improving access to optimal clinical care for people with chronic hepatitis B through the implementation of a nurse-led model of care “. Funded by the government at cohealth Collingwood, the project incorporates the use of a FibroScan® testing unit to assess the ‘hardness’ of the liver. Maurice’s prize:
With the patient lying supine, a probe, similar to an ultrasound, is
A custom air-brush design thanks to Lowe airbrush.
placed on the skin over the liver area. The test takes around 10
We’d like to take this opportunity to acknowledge all of the amazing
minutes to perform and causes no patient discomfort. FibroScan®
tattoo tales and images that were submitted during the SKiNK
is principally used to estimate the degree of liver scarring present
competition. Thanks also to our fantastic sponsors: Lowe Airbrush,
(i.e. stage of liver disease).
Reid Cycles, Telematics Trust, Andrew Smith, and Dangerfield.
This is very useful in the assessment of patients with chronic liver
For further information please go to:
disease, including chronic hepatitis C, chronic hepatitis B, chronic
https://www.facebook.com/skinktales/video
alcohol abuse and fatty liver. It also helps with monitoring disease
22nd National Symposium on Hepatitis B and C The 22nd National Symposium on Hepatitis B and C will be held on
progression or regression via serial measurements, guides prognosis and further management, including treatment.
Saturday 28 November, 2015. The Symposium will include an update
The gift of Music
on the current management of chronic hepatitis B and C, as well as
Recently we received, completely out of the blue, and unsolicited,
lectures, panel discussions and interactive cases, to provide GPs
a cheque for $1000. We were not even sure of its origin until we
with state of the art knowledge of the condition.
contacted the person making the donation. It turns out that musician
A leading researcher in viral hepatitis, Dr Alessio Aghemo, of the Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico in Milan, will be the key international guest speaker at the event.
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Peter O’Shea, and a number of his students, generously decided to work together to raise money for a community cause. Peter then asked his good friend Joffa Corfe to suggest where to gift
the money. Joffa (one of our ongoing supporters and Hep Heroes) suggested Hepatitis Victoria. In Peter’s words:
Surveilance Report finds hepatitis treatment uptake is still low.
“Having grown up with wonderful parents who gave of themselves
Last month, the Kirby Institute released its 2015 Annual Surveillance
so readily I always wanted to contribute to society. On becoming a
Report of HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmissible infections in
musician I have been afforded the opportunity of playing to so many
Australia and the 2015 Aboriginal Surveillance Report of HIV, viral
people. Where I feel the closest to the spirit of Music is when I am
hepatitis, STIs at the World STI and HIV Congress in Brisbane.
playing to people who really can feel the spirit of Music. I have performed for a lot for kids with terminal cancer at the
The Report highlights that while we are seeing a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel, it is far too early to stop being vigilant,
Royal Children’s Hospital, for the homeless, the elderly, those with a
and there is a lot more work to be done.
disability. Music in this context has a tremendous healing power and
In summary, the Report showed that: • Australia is close to achieving global targets for the testing and treatment of HIV, but more needs to be done to identify and treat infections early.
you walk out feeling like a million dollars for having been a part of this. So as a Musician using one’s gift to contribute to the world is a brilliant opportunity. We get so much out of it. I like to dedicate [these musical endeavors] to the memory of my parents who were always helping so many people”. Thank you Peter – your donation helps to make the light at the end of the tunnel shine that much brighter. This money will enable Hepatitis Victoria to continue expanding its reach - and will specifically encourage further exploration of relationships with musicians - many of whom have already shown great generosity towards our work.
The report also showed that deaths related to chronic hepatitis C virus infection have increased by 146% in ten years, and the uptake of treatment remains extremely low. “There has been a substantial increase in illness and death due to hepatitis C as the population with this chronic infection ages, because the vast majority of people with the infection have not received curative therapy,” said Professor Greg Dore, Head of the Viral Hepatitis and Clinical Research Program at the Kirby Institute. “This all stands to change if we see approval of funding for breakthrough new treatments that have the potential to turn around Australia’s hepatitis C epidemic.” The report also showed declining rates of new hepatitis B infection diagnosis, probably as a result of Australia’s immunisation programs, but the proportion of people with chronic hepatitis B infection who are tested and on treatment remains low. “Evidence is emerging that the immunisation programs for hepatitis B are starting to have a real benefit, with declining rates of new infection most strikingly in the younger age groups that have had the highest level of vaccine coverage. On the other side of the coin, almost half of all people living with hepatitis B remain undiagnosed,” said Professor Dore. “More testing is needed, and especially among the key affected populations.”
Following are some of the report’s key points on hepatitis B and C:
Hepatitis C
• Hep Hero in the news… Long time Hepatitis Victoria supporter, and founding Hep Hero, Joffa Corfe has been nominated for Australian of the Year. The nomination
•
page/95/custom-hepheroes-page
In contrast, the rate of hepatitis C diagnosis in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population increased in 2014, from 119 per 100 000 in 2010 to 164 per 100 000, a rate almost 5 times greater
charity work. Good luck Joffa – we couldn’t think of anyone more
See Joffa as one of the Hep Heroes at: https://www.hepvic.org.au/
46 per 100 000, representing a continuing decline over the past 10 years, from 61 in 2005.
was announced in late September, and is in recognition of all of Joffa’s deserving than you for the award!
The rate of diagnosis of hepatitis C infection in 2014 was
than in the non‑Indigenous population (35 per 100 000).
•
The prevalence of hepatitis C in people who inject drugs attending needle and syringe programs in 2014 was 54%, a level that has remained stable for 5 years.
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De-livering the news •
At the end of 2014, an estimated 230 470 people had chronic
past 2 years) in all age groups, except for those aged 40 years and
hepatitis C infection in Australia (range 180 490 to 243 990), of
above. The declines have been greatest in 20 – 24 year olds (by
whom 185 740 people had early to moderate fibrosis and 44 730
78%) and 15 – 19 year olds (by 66%).
severe fibrosis or hepatitis C related cirrhosis. The estimated number of people with severe liver disease/hepatitis C related
•
cirrhosis has more than doubled, from 18 580 cases in 2004
•
Of 224 people who had a liver transplant in 2014, 81 (36%) had hepatitis C infection.
An estimated 690 deaths (range 440 – 970) attributable to chronic hepatitis C infection occurred in 2014, an increase of 146% since
•
(9.3%) were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• •
and Torres Strait Islander peoples; 3.6% in people born in the
Among the estimated 75% of people (range 68 to 77%) with chronic
people who inject drugs; and 3.0% in men who have sex with men.
hepatitis C infection who were diagnosed by the end of 2014,
Some of these categories are potentially overlapping.
•
• The proportion of people who injected drugs attending needle and syringe programs in 2014 who said in surveys they had used the same needle as another person in the past month was 15%, a proportion that has remained stable over the past ten years.
Interpretation: The rate of hepatitis C diagnosis has fallen over the past 10 years in Australia, suggesting a reduction in transmission related to injection drug use, which has been the main pathway of infection in Australia. This reduction is likely related to a decrease in the number of people newly initiating injecting. The coverage of needle and syringe programs and increasing number of people receiving opioid substitution therapy (OST) may be potential factors, as OST reduces injecting frequency and injecting risk behaviour. The rate of hepatitis C diagnosis is however increasing among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, possibly related to higher prevalence of injecting risk behaviours in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who inject drugs. There has been a substantial increase in the illness and mortality due to hepatitis C, as the population with chronic infection ages. The uptake of treatment for hepatitis C remains very low, with the vast majority not having received curative therapy.
Hepatitis B Over the past ten years, the population rate of diagnosis of hepatitis B infection in Australia has declined in younger groups: in those aged 25 – 29 years (from 72 per 100 000 in 2005 to 59 per 100 000 in 2014); 20 – 24 years (58 to 32 per 100 000); and 15 – 19 years (25 to 11 per 100 000). There have also been substantial declines in the rate of newly acquired hepatitis B cases (defined as a new infection within the
Among the estimated 56% of people living in Australia with chronic hepatitis B infection who were diagnosed, an estimated 27% were in care and 10% of those diagnosed had received antiviral therapy.
(range 48 to 62%).
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B infection occurred in 2014.
In 2014 the estimated hepatitis B prevalence was 3.7% in Aboriginal Asia‑Pacific; 3.5% in people born in Sub‑Saharan Africa; 4.0% in
therapy, with therapy successfully curing the infection in 55%
•
An estimated 395 (304 –640) deaths attributable to chronic hepatitis
2004 where there was an estimated 280 (range 180‑370) deaths.
an estimated 26% (range 22 to 29%) had ever received antiviral
•
chronic hepatitis B infection in Australia (range 175 000 to 253 000), of whom 81 267 (38%) were born in the Asia‑Pacific and 19 837
to 44 730 in 2014.
•
At the end of 2014, an estimated 213 300 people were living with
•
The coverage of infant hepatitis B vaccination coverage at 24 months of age was 95% in 2014.
Interpretation: Evidence is emerging that the immunisation programs for hepatitis B are starting to have a benefit, with declining rates of new infection, and most strikingly in the younger age groups that have had the highest level of vaccine coverage. The proportion of people with chronic hepatitis B infection who are in care or on recommended treatment remains low.
PBAC
Momentous recommendations still awaiting government go-ahead.
hepatitis C medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme without delay.
#TImeForAction #Bring it on #GimmerOfHope
Sadly, the hundreds of thousands of Australians living with hepatitis C find it hard to consider Australia the “lucky country” – not when people with hepatitis C are being cured around the globe – from the United States and Great Britain to Fiji and India. And not when increasingly, desperate Australians are being forced to travel overseas, or take the risky course of importing medicines because these new therapies remain unaffordable in Australia.
T
he Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) recommended in late August that yet another interferon-free drug combination should be added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), while deferring consideration of simeprevir (when used with sofosbuvir) and also ribavirin. The new hepatitis C treatment that was recommended – Viekira Pak (ombitasvir, paritaprevir, ritonavir and dasabuvir, with or without ribavirin, for hepatitis C genotype 1) – brings to four the total number of interferonfree (depending on genotype) drugs/ combinations supported by the PBAC. In March the PBAC recommended three hepatitis C medicines for a PBS listing: sofosbuvir (Sovaldi), ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (Harvoni), and daclatasvir (Daklinza). However in spite of the PBAC recommendations this year, these medicines are still awaiting consideration by the Federal Cabinet and a listing date has not been confirmed. To know that we have the wherewithal to change the course of the hepatitis C epidemic,
to make it a rare condition in our lifetime, but not have a definitive direction is an incredibly frustrating situation for our community. Hepatitis Victoria Board Member Pam Wood says: “Having lived with this debilitating and life threatening condition, knowing that there is a cure available, but not accessible in Australia, is devastating and only adds to the already existing discrimination felt by people living with Hepatitis C”. We acknowledge the Government’s commitment to improving the lives of Australians and reimbursing new therapies that treat conditions ranging from cancer to eye disease. This is even more reason to facilitate the addition of new breakthrough
It’s time for action. It’s time for the pharmaceutical companies and the Federal Government together to deliver the cures for which so many Australians are desperately waiting. The Federal Government now needs to act to embrace a new treatment era, to confirm a PBS listing date and make 2015 a watershed year in the fight against hepatitis C. To call on the Turnbull government to take action, please go to: hepvic.org.au/ advocacy/callforhepcapproval, and write to the Health Minister or your local MP using our suggested email template.
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Western Action Forum
#LeadingChange #MelbWest #LateOTT
“It is time to act, time to invest in unnecessary lives lost”. “We are many, we are scattered, we are hidden, we are afraid”. Those words came from two of our Community Advocates, Nafisa and Ross, who addressed community, government and industry representatives attending the Melbourne West Hepatitis Action Forum on 28 August. Hepatitis Victoria convened the forum to discuss the need for clear transparent pathways of care, the need to work together to build efficiencies, and the need to mobilize in the most public way to build broader community support. The forum was convened in collaboration with cohealth, North Western Melbourne PHN and was supported by Hepatitis Australia
Ben Carroll
However the major, and very welcome
• The Hon. Jill Hennessey MP, Victorian Minister for Health and Member for Altona.
that a standalone strategy would be
• Ben Carroll MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Justice.
improve treatment of hepatitis B and C.
development of the day was the announcement by Minister Hennessey developed to reduce infection rates and
The announcement was greatly welcomed
• Mr Tim Watts MP, Member for Gellibrand and Deputy Chair of the Federal Inquiry into Hepatitis C.
by all as an important step addressing the damage being done by hepatitis in Victoria. Another key announcement was from
An expert panel comprising A/Prof Christopher Carter, CEO, North Western Melbourne PHN, Lyn Morgain, CEO, cohealth, and Dr Ian Kronborg, Head of Gastroenterology, Western Health canvassed what could be done to improve health outcomes for people living with viral hepatitis.
Ben Carroll who advised that the Hepatitis Victoria Infoline would be made accessible to prisoners within Victorian prisons. He also confirmed that the high rate of viral hepatitis in prisons is a cause for concern that the government is committed to dealing with.
The discussions emphasised the importance of coordinated care services and ehealth initiatives, with A/Prof Christopher Carter, saying there is a huge opportunity for
We are inspired and re-energised by these developments, and look forward to being part of their progression over the coming months.
sector-wide action.
Parliamentary Secretary for Justice made the following comment in Parliament on 2 September
Last Friday, 28 August, I had the pleasure of speaking at the Melbourne West Hepatitis Action Forum event titled ‘Leading the way for real change’, which was held at the Western Centre for Health Research and Education located at the Sunshine Hospital. The Minister for Health addressed the forum, as did Tim Watts, the federal member for Gellibrand; Kieran Donohue, President of Hepatitis Victoria; Melanie Eagle, CEO of Hepatitis Victoria; and Associate Professor Alex Cockram, CEO of Western Health. The forum was moderated by David Iser, a gastroenterologist and hepatologist.
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With a warm welcome from A/Prof Alex Cockram, CEO Western Health, the forum included presentations from:
We heard some incredible personal reflections about living with hepatitis from Ross Williams and Nafisa Yusef. There was a fantastic panel discussion, with Lyn Morgain, chief executive of cohealth; Dr Ian Kronborg, director of gastroenterology, Western Health; and Chris Carter, an adjunct/associate professor from the Melbourne Primary Care Network. A highlight of the day was the announcement by the Minister for Health that the Andrews Labor government would develop a stand alone hepatitis strategy to deal with this infectious disease.
While I was there I was pleased to participate in the Western Liverability Festival, which is now in its second year. An incredible 120 000 Victorians live with viral hepatitis, and liver cancer — the fastest growing cause of cancer death in Australia — is largely caused by viral hepatitis. We all have a vital role to play to raise awareness, combat stigma and address this important public health issue. In my electorate of Niddrie I have met some wonderful Hep Heroes, who support those living with hepatitis and work to reduce the stigma associated with it.
Public Speakers Shining the light on hepatitis.
Sharing the insight and personal experiences
powerful, and key to highlighting the
of our community advocates, continues to
prevalence of both hepatitis B and C
be one of the most effective ways of getting
in the west.
people to really listen. Nafisa and Ross’ participation in the Forum,
T
he Hepatitis Victoria Public Speakers
Community voices
Bureau started just over two years
ago and has been growing since then. Our speakers are the face of the virus and share their personal experiences of living
We are pleased to be able to share one
with hepatitis B or C and how it impacts
of those stories here:
their lives.
and the telling of their stories, was particularly
The aim of the program is to educate the community about hepatitis B and C to help
Nafisa’s story
reduce fears, stigma and discrimination associated with viral hepatitis. Hepatitis B in Melbourne is most prevalent in people from diverse backgrounds Nafisa Yusef
but then I went to the doctor and that’s how
and is associated with many myths and
is an inspiring
I found out I had chronic hepatitis B. Prior to
misconceptions around transmission and
community
my diagnosis, the only thing I knew about
management, creating significant stigma
advocate who
hepatitis in general, was that if you were
and discrimination against those living with
spoke at the
infected, you would show symptoms, such
the condition. Recruiting people who are
Western Action
as jaundice.
willing to speak about this is therefore not
Forum, along with Ross Williams. Nafisa wants to live in a world without viral hepatitis. She is a strong hepatitis B advocate and has a passion for informing people about hepatitis B, striving to clarify people’s misunderstandings and reassuring them that they can live a normal and healthy lifestyle with hepatitis B. She has worked in various roles in the community and health sector. Nafisa has received her Bachelor of Arts in International Community Development from Victoria University. This is her story: I first realised something was wrong with my health during my VCE in 2007. I was feeling really sick, I had migraines and I was constantly exhausted. I was so tired that I couldn’t do anything; sometimes it was difficult to even get out of bed.
Initially, it was really hard to make sense of it all because I didn’t really understand what it was. There was some confusion within my
easy, and for quite a long time, we have relied on our only hepatitis B speaker, Uyen.
family because in my language we only have
Demonstrating her commitment to the
one name for the three different hepatitis
hepatitis cause, in September Uyen took on
viruses – A, B and C and that’s usually
the challenge of facilitating a PSB training
interpreted as Hepatitis A. Because of this
session for Vietnamese speakers.
most people don’t think hepatitis B is a serious disease, thus people aren’t aware that it can cause cancer.
Thanks to her initiative and disposition, we were able to expand our reach to this community and have two new speakers on
Then, I was referred to a specialist and I
board, eager to share their stories and help
have been on treatment since then. I was
raise awareness about living with chronic
on Interferon for the first year. Unfortunately
hepatitis B. We are most grateful for Uyen’s
when that didn’t work for me, I was then put
contributions and welcome another two
on Tenofovir and I have been taking that
courageous individuals to the PSB.
since then.
If you have lived experience of hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a manageable condition if it’s
or C, you too can join the Public Speakers
caught in time. Despite the struggles, the
Bureau. To register your interest, go to the
routine visits to the hospital, the endless blood
‘Campaign with us’ part of our website or
tests and ultrasounds and some people’s
contact 1800 703 003 (free-call).
negative attitudes towards Hepatitis B, it
I think sometimes it’s difficult for people to
does not define who I am. I have graduated
understand this. It’s not your usual tiredness,
from university, have a family, work and try to
for example after a long day at work but a
live life to the fullest. However, I know many
chronic fatigue where you have a constant
aren’t as lucky as I am due to the lack of
lack of energy. For a couple of months I
awareness, accessibility and the stigma and
thought it was just stress due to my VCE
discrimination associated with hepatitis B.
If you would like to have someone with lived experience of either hepatitis B or C peak at your workplace or organisations, please make a request on the ‘Training’ part of our website or call 03 9380 4644.
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World Hepatitis Day Western Liverability Festival
The wrap up World Hepatitis Day – what a day that was! Time for action was the theme of WHD in Australia in 2015.
With almost half a million Australians living with hepatitis B or C, and close to 1,000 Australians dying each year due to viral hepatitis, urgent action is needed to increase hepatitis testing, improve access to regular liver check ups; and, increase hepatitis treatment rates. Campaign images were displayed prominently online and associated videos promoted through Facebook advertising,
reaching 542,000 Facebook users in Australia with approximately 500 hours of video watched! Thank you to everyone who displayed, shared and or tweeted the WHD social media images, messages and videos. …meanwhile in Victoria, World Hepatitis Day was recognized in a month long series of events under the banner of the “Western Liverability Festival”. Following is a pictorial overview of the various Festival events.
The amazin Community Advocate and Hep Hero, Jen Anderson, speaking at the inaugural Victorian World Hepatitis Day function. Aurora Tang, Yvonne Drazic, Hope Mathumbu at the Doherty Institute’s hepatitis B workshop.
Jill Hennessy, Minister for Health, addresses attendees at the state government’s inaugural World Hepatitis Day reception.
Meeting Ollie at North Richmond Community Heath
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from the WI
Playing the True or False quiz with NRCH event
highlighting the key issues at the ReGen World Hepatitis Day event
attendees.
ng women and puppets
Inja Ulupna Puppeteers.
The wonderful, colourful Multicultural Event at Victoria University. StreetShot 2015 participating students at the exhibition launch
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Haunting images from young people aim to save lives
S
tark and descriptive images from StreetShot 2015 entries highlighted the feelings of loneliness, isolation, and invisibility that surround viral hepatitis.
Now in its seventh year, StreetShot, is an annual photographic competition for young people in Victoria, which aims to get young people to share, through their own creativity, what they understand about viral hepatitis, and
in turn educate their peers about the
“We have found that peer interaction and
risk factors.
creative collaboration really do help to build
Melanie Eagle says StreetShot seems to be
understanding and more positive attitudes
hitting the mark. “We know that young people
to making informed and healthier decisions,”
don’t always listen when they’re told what, or
she says.
what not to do. They need to be challenged
And if the images and messaging coming from
and motivated to take advice on board”,
some of this year’s competition entries are
says Melanie.
anything to go by, she’s right.
First place - Group Viral Four Mark Witney, Cody Porter, Jacob Anderson, Luke Huklebridge. Karingal CREATE Youth
Second place - Group What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger Paris Jarvis, Claire McDonald-Brown, Holly Debono, Jazmine Bull. Upper Yarra Secondary college.
First place - Individual Still The Same Stella Fuss. Upper Yarra Secondary College.
Second place - Individual Was That Needle Clean Marley Butterworth. Upper Yarra Secondary College.
People’s Choice It’s Not in the Water Holly Debono, Jazmine Bull, Claire McDonald-Brown. Upper Yarra Secondary College.
The Viral Four. First place - Group
Outstanding Entries: Regional Entrant Share LOVE, not BAD BLOOD Gelli Figuracion. Foyer Brophy.
For Addressing Stigma To Tell Or Not To Tell Nicholas Bickerton, Natahlia van Straalen, Helena Bishop Upper Yarra Secondary College.
Series/Story It’s Going to Be OK Zumray Hanci, Shaun Parker. Glenroy Neighbourhood Learning Centre Team from Glenroy Neighbourhood
Learning Centre.
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Still The Same. First place - Individual
What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger.
See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Breathe No Evil.
To Tell Or Not To Tell.
Paris Broxam, Claire McDonald-Brown,
Bo Clarke, Zac Coleman, Will McGann.
Nicholas Bickerton, Natahlia Van Straalen,
Holly Debono, Jazmine Bull.
Helena Bishop.
We Are In It Together. Sara Jansz.
It’s Not In the Water.
It’s Going to Be OK.
Holly Debono, Jazmine Bull,
Zumray Hanci, Shaun Parker.
Claire McDonald-Brown.
Share LOVE, Not Bad Blood. Gelli Figuracion.
Was That Needle Clean.
Good Times.
Don’t Spread It
Marley Butterworth.
River Parsons, Logan Rei, Tom Ould.
Paris Broxam.
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Inaugural World Hepatitis Summit
#EliminateHep #GlimmerOfHope
Policy makers, patients, civil society,
of deaths. Viral hepatitis now kills more
physicians and representatives from each
people than HIV/AIDS, or TB, or malaria
of the World Hepatitis Alliance’s 200 patient
and has become the 7th biggest annual
group organisations attended. The Summit
killer globally.
he three-day, World Hepatitis Summit,
T
was convened jointly by the World Health
held in Scotland from 2–4 September
Organization (WHO) and World Hepatitis
Commenting further, Mr Gore said: “We
sought to upscale the world’s response to
Alliance (WHA) and was hosted by the
already have almost all the tools needed to
hepatitis and to address the need for a global
Scottish Government and supported by
eliminate viral hepatitis. What we don’t have
forum to examine public health approaches
Glasgow Caledonian University and Health
yet is the commitment, the know-how and
to the disease. And by all accounts it was
Protection Scotland.
the funding to use these tools. This Summit
The meeting was in response to last year’s
is about empowering countries to take the
World Health Assembly Resolution calling
practical steps needed at a national level;
for concerted action to reverse the ever-rising
it is about how to take a vision and make
death toll from viral hepatitis.
it happen.”
is an incredibly important step towards the
New Global Burden of Disease data
Dr. Gottfried Hirnschall, Director of the WHO
elimination of [the] disease… leaders from
presented at the Summit showed for the first
Department of HIV/AIDS and Global Hepatitis
around the world have committed to setting
time, the five-year incremental increase in
Programme said “We have seen from the
targets towards the elimination of viral
global deaths from viral hepatitis. It confirmed
global response to HIV what can be achieved
hepatitis as a public health threat.”
the relentless year on year rise in the number
when governments, civil society, international
successful in starting that momentum. The Summit followed a two-day Conference convened by the World Hepatitis Alliance for all its members. This provided a unique opportunity for consumer and patient organisations across the world - including Hepatitis Victoria and other similar organisations from Australia - to share their own particular experiences. It also ensured that the Summit was grounded in the perspectives of those with lived experience. Charles Gore, President of the World Hepatitis Alliance commented at the Summit that: “The Glasgow Declaration on Viral Hepatitis
organisations and the private sector work together to provide prevention and treatment services to those who need them. The time is now for everyone to come together and work toward eliminating viral hepatitis as a major public health threat.” In a major show of unity and collaboration, Summit attendees signed up to the “Glasgow Declaration, underlining their belief that the elimination of viral hepatitis is possible and urging governments to work with WHO to define and agree on global targets for prevention, diagnosis and treatment. WHO launched a new manual for the development and assessment of national viral hepatitis plans at the summit. Attendees
14
also discussed the draft WHO Global Health Sector Strategy on Viral Hepatitis, which sets targets for 2030. The targets include a 90% reduction in new cases of chronic hepatitis B and C, a 65% reduction in hepatitis B and C deaths, and treatment of 80% of eligible people with chronic hepatitis B and C infections. As a member of the World Health Alliance, Hepatitis Victoria CEO, Melanie Eagle joined the event, attending workshops on a range of topics including advocacy, goal setting (within the broader objective of eradication), and communications. She gave a presentation on fundraising from the Australian experience, and joined others in displaying a poster of the work of their organisations. The wide ranging presentations from thought-leaders canvassed strategic planning, service delivery and integration, treatment and access to drugs, and universal health coverage, costing and prioritization.. One of the most significant statements of the Summit was from Stefan Wiktor, Hepatitis Lead, WHO. In discussing the issues around how to find the different interventions required to achieve the various targets contained in the proposed Global Hepatitis Strategy 2016-21 he stated: “The question is not “Is it affordable” but “how can it be made affordable?” The Summit was a truly global event. More than 600 delegates representing over 90 countries attended. The feedback so far has been very positive and the World Health Alliance understands this is just the beginning. They will now start working on the next World Hepatitis Summit, which will be hosted by Brazil. Presentations from the plenary and parallel sessions are now available to view on the WHS website at: http://www. worldhepatitissummit.com/presentations/. Films of the plenary sessions will also soon be available via the website.
15
Reaching rural Victoria W
hile the majority of Victoria’s population may reside in Melbourne (4.4 million of the state’s total population of 5.8 million), it is important to ensure that rural and regional communities have equal access to information, services and treatment. The people that it is important for Hepatitis Victoria’s Health Promotion team to make contact with are just as prevalent in regional areas as they are in the city, and some times more so. In some areas, the prevalence of hepatitis is quite alarming. For instance, Mount Alexander Shire has three times the state average prevalence of hepatitis C, and Mildura, double the state average.
Hepatitis Victoria works – and will continue to work – as we strive to ensure regional communities have an equitable access to hepatitis education and related services:
•
Facilitating the transfer of expertise and knowledge from centres for research and treatment to the community and health professionals in rural centres.
•
Make sure that the needs of the whole of the state are considered and addressed in our strategic planning, and when planning activities.
•
In our advocacy work, and when contributing to government policy, considering the needs of rural and remote communities.
• •
Our (state-wide) community grants program, which continues to generate significant health promotion events in regional areas to educate and discuss the local impact of hepatitis. Importantly these events allow the community to openly discuss their experience of hepatitis on their families, consequently breaking down taboos and the stigma associated with the disease.
Partnerships are integral to the success of our rural engagement. We are very lucky to have a large number of local community health organisations that support our work and contribute to it being made possible in their area.
Town centre of Mildura Actively engaging with rural groups such as community health centres, schools, local government and other organisations to raise awareness of viral hepatitis, with the aim of increasing testing and treatment, while providing a better environment and support for those who are living with the disease.
We are aware that many of the factors contributing to the social determinants of health such as access to transport, education, employment and social support are real considerations for rural residents. Being geographically distant from the population centres should not result in second-rate treatment or lack of access to health prevention initiatives. A health equality approach, where rural residents receive the same level of care and services as their urban counterparts is critical. Below are some of the ways in which
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•
Our annual regional ‘spotlight on hepatitis’ event where educators, clinicians, researchers and lived experience speakers take their collective knowledge to local communities and health organisations.
They play a critical role in our general health promotion work, our raising awareness around risk and the need for testing and treatment. They have also facilitated the delivery of targeted programs such as ‘Mum’s to B’ aimed at combating transmission of hepatitis B from mother to baby during birth. Other state-wide organisations such as the Centre for Excellence in Rural Sexual Health (CERSH) and the Foundation for Regional and Rural Renewal (FRRR), are key partners in our endeavor to reduce blood borne virus and sexually transmitted infections. Hepatitis Victoria looks forward to the day when viral hepatitis has become a thing of the past – through expansion of vaccination, health promotion, education and treatment. Meanwhile we will continue to provide services to, and advocate on behalf of, the whole of Victoria.
New Hep Hero Allan’s story
I
am a Hep Hero because I’m “sick and
the ramifications, nothing. I was ordered
Recently I attended my first community
tired” of feeling isolated about having hep C”.
to start living healthily and got a referral
advocates meeting at Hepatitis Victoria.
to a gastroenterologist. The severity
I was quite surprised of the high degrees
of this diagnosis explained to me by
of stigma and discrimination associated
my still current and much respected
with having hep C throughout the broader
gastroenterologist shocked me, however
community. Being an active and avid
initially didn’t have the desired effect to
poet, the meeting inspired me to write
I’m in my early 50’s and have a loving supportive wife and three children (now all healthy and productive adults that I am extremely proud of). My working career was predominantly in the Sales and Marketing field, having held several senior executive positions. Being a very passionate and driven person, I’ve always lived, worked and played sport to the optimum of my abilities – at least until 1999.
kerb my partying ways, denial had set in. On my third appointment, my gastroenterologist explained that he was going to offer me a course of
a poem a short time after titled See, I’m
Invisible (see page 19)to demonstrate just some of the issues people with hepatitis C have to cope with.
My memories of the late 70’s to the late 80’s can
pharmaceuticals (Interferon and Ribavirin)
In many ways and ironically being
only be described as a blur. I lived by the mantra
that may cure my hep C. I agreed to the
diagnosed with hepatitis C has perhaps
“work hard, play harder”; a sex, drugs and rock
treatment. The reality of this appointment
helped me live a lot longer. “Lived hard,
‘n’ roll lifestyle was prevalent in my age group
and the forthcoming treatment finally
died young” could have been chiseled
throughout this time, with me being a willing
stopped my desire to party hard.
into my tombstone, many years ago.
I’m determined to continue to become healthier and someday soon become cured and pick up that zest to live and enjoy life full on again, this time without the vices. participant. Coupled with the fact I was getting
Unfortunately after 6 gruelling months I
However, I’ve learnt to live healthier and
various tattoos and piercings, to say I was a wild
couldn’t cure my hep C (I’m genotype 3a).
not to take my health for granted. My
child would be an understatement.
Suffice to say, the year 2000 was
responsibilities of being a father, husband
Once I met my future wife I did settle down,
very austere.
and mentor are cherished. I’m determined
however my career required me to entertain
I’m still hep C positive and have refined
clients on a regular basis. With entertainment
my lifestyle considerably since the
being one of my career ‘strengths’, my yearning
treatment. Although I’m bordering on
for a good time never waned.
cirrhosis as my most recent fibroscan has
It wasn’t until I started experiencing horrific
indicated, and I’m also starting to display
hangovers that I started to be a little concerned
more symptoms that confirm this.
about my overall health. After suffering these
A vicious cycle of trying to work, exercise
hangovers for quite a few years I decided that I better consult my doctor about them. After many different types of blood tests over a period of six months, I was finally told in 1999 that I had tested positive for hepatitis C. At the time I had no idea what the virus was,
to continue to become healthier and someday soon become cured and pick up that zest to live and enjoy life full on again, this time without the vices. Allan’s message to others:
to make this a reality. It’s the least I
“I refuse to live with this stigma anymore. We need to educate everyone about hepatitis C, breakdown the naive barriers. It doesn’t matter how you got it or why you’ve got hepatitis C, we need to cure all those that have it
can do for myself, and more importantly
now, immediately.
and live a life while feeling at times fatigued and austere. I’m determined to be cured and will fight harder than ever
my family.
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Providing hepatitis services free of stigma and discrimination C
ohealth is working with the Royal Melbourne Hospital to
a hepatitis C assessment and if positive, embark on a monitoring
provide hepatitis C services free of stigma and discrimination.
program until the new drugs are available.”
cohealth provides specialist services for people who use alcohol or
Health Works provides access to testing, assessment, monitoring and
inject drugs past or present in Melbourne Inner North and West.
treatment. Sally provides liaison between the Infectious Diseases
cohealth Health Works consultant nurse Sally Watkinson is working
Specialists at VIDS and General Practitioner at Health Works.
to link the Victorian Infectious Diseases Service (VIDS) at the Royal
cohealth GP Dr Fran Bramwell and the Heath Works Health Care
Melbourne Hospital to support access to care without the need for
Team have been caring for people with hepatitis and HIV for many
multiple hospital appointments.
years.
“We are focussing our efforts on preparing for new interferon free
Sally says liver fibrosis screening using a FibroScan® makes it fast
hepatitis C treatments on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Schedule
and easy to determine the degree of liver damage caused by viral
(PBS). “This is expected to take place within the next 6-8 months”.
hepatitis.
We strongly encourage anyone who is or has been at risk, to have a hepatitis C assessment and if positive, embark on a monitoring program until the new drugs are available. Health Works, located in the heart of Footscray in Nicholson Street,
She says many people undertake hepatitis care entirely within the
provides: a needle and syringe program, specialist education workers
community, without need for hospital attendance.
and a health care team focused on the needs of injecting drug users
Karen Jehn came to cohealth to get hepatitis C treatment eight years
including GP, community health nurses and community health
ago. “I’m hep C negative now, but I still come to the service. There’s
workers.
always someone here to listen to me and help.”
The service is confidential, innovative, responsive and based on a
Health Works encourages any enquiries from clients (no appointment
harm reduction framework to empower and educate people who inject
necessary – drop in service Monday-Friday 10am-5pm). The
drugs, so they can make informed decisions about their health.
Health Care Team, Dr Bramwell and Sally can provide testing
Sally says they want people who have previously been reluctant or
information and advice or referral to specialists if required.
ineligible (for health reasons) to embark on hepatitis C treatments to get cured. “The starting point is to ensure that people don’t experience stigma or
and counselling for blood borne viruses as well as provide further
Health Works: http://www.wrhc.com.au/services/healthy-communities/health-works/
discrimination. This is the ethos of cohealth.”
Sally Watkinson (Hepatitis CNC) and Chloe Layton (cohealth Community
“We strongly encourage anyone who is or has been at risk, to have
Health Nurse)
Workforce Development
and care of people living with chronic hepatitis C.
Bloody Serious Facts
The training is delivered in partnership with Harm Reduction Victoria and the Victorian Viral Hepatitis Educator (St Vincent’s Hospital).
11 November: 9:30am – 1.00pm
The course is FREE to Hepatitis Victoria members* or $25
Hepatitis Victoria, 5/200 Sydney Road, Brunswick Blood Serious Facts training offered in 2015 is Hepatitis C specific and designed for drug and alcohol workers, community health staff, prison staff, welfare workers, health students and anyone working with people who are at risk of or caring for someone affected by hepatitis C. Topics covered will include: transmission risks, improved treatments, management
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per person for non-members. * Up to two free members per organisation per membership term.
For bookings and further enquiries, call (03) 9380 4644 or email admin@hepvic.org.au Register online: www.hepvic.org.au/BloodySeriousFacts
Become a member
See, I’m Invisible Isn’t quizzical That there is a principal Where not governed by... To be judgmental And not knowing why No matter the cause Or curse Or even worse It’s the uneducated fiction You disperse See, I’m invisible By not coming out Behind the wall Just for your Opinion ignorance and gall No need to Stall Plead Justify Crawl I’m covering for A nasty individual Though it’s not One you C It’s a hidden virus Only known by Those we love And we trust It would be Too much
Unless it was Those we touch For you to ever Question Why? What its name? You ask How did you get it? You ask And if you said it Would it bring You shame? You cast My answer to this Is please Don’t take the piss Stop now And don’t you dare Hiss Before I answer Please be aware It’s making Me miserable Yes YOU and Your judgemental principal Though I’m not mental Is the hold back fiscal? Is that what’s... Made me feel invisible? Allan Dumbleton 31/7/2015 ©
Hepatitis Victoria is a membership-based organisation - our members are the heart of our organisation. Membership fees help support and recognise our work in raising awareness of and understanding about viral hepatitis.
Individual $40 *Concession card holders- $15 *With lived experience - $0
Organisation $160 *10 staff or less - $100
Supporter $0 *Cannot vote or stand for Board
JOIN TODAY! Go to http://www.hepvic.org.au/page/46/ membership and follow the prompts.
Membership benefits include: • Access to the latest information and resources • Receipt of electronic and printed publications • Discounted education and training for organisations • Invitations to special events and seminars • Shaping advocacy campaigns and ‘change’ initiatives
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Liver clinics Liver clinics and liver specialists
CLAYTON
GEELONG
Southern Health Monash Medical Centre 246 Clayton Road, Clayton Contact: (03) 9594 6035 Fax: (03) 9594 6925
Geelong Hospital
In most cases a referral is faxed to the hepatitis treatment service. The hepatitis treatment service will generally not discuss your treatment options with you until after they have received a referral from your GP.
CRANBOURNE
GIPPSLAND
This list of hepatitis treatment services includes clinics that are known to Hepatitis Victoria. Not all possible services are listed and there may be others in your local area.
EAST RINGWOOD
To access public hepatitis C treatment services a referral from a GP is needed.
ALBURY Albury Community Health Centre – Hepatitis Clinic 596 Smollett Street, Albury Contact: (02) 6058 1800 Fax: (02) 6058 1801
BAIRNSDALE Bairnsdale Regional Hospital Bairnsdale Regional Health Service Specialist Consulting Rooms 122 Day Street, Bairnsdale Contact: (03) 5150 3478 Fax: (03) 5150 3404
BALLARAT Ballarat Base Hospital Drummond Street, Ballarat Contact: (03) 5320 4211 Fax: (03) 5320 4097
BALLARAT Ballarat Community Health 12 Lilburne Street, Lucas Contact: (03) 5338 4500 Fax: (03) 5332 6617
BENDIGO Bendigo Health Cnr Arnold and Lucas Streets, Bendigo Contact: (03) 5454 8422 Fax: (03) 5454 8419
BOX HILL Box Hill Hospital 51 Nelson Road (First Floor Blue Lift), Box Hill Contact: (03) 9895 3333 (ask for OPD) Fax: (03) 9895 4852
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Cranbourne Integrated Care Centre 140-154 Sladen Street, Cranbourne Contact: (03) 5990 6789 Fax: (03) 5990 6328 Maroondah Hospital (Eastern Health) Davey Drive, Ground Floor Outpatients, East Ringwood Contact: 1300 342 255 Fax: (03) 9871 3202
ELTHAM North Eltham Medical Centre Dr Tony Michaelson Weekly visiting Hepatitis C Nurse Rhonda O’Malley
Bellarine Street, Geelong Contact: (03) 5246 5117 Fax: (03) 5221 3429 Central Gippsland Health Service 155 Guthridge Parade, Sale Contact: (03) 5143 8600
HEIDELBERG Austin Hospital 145 Studley Road, Heidelberg Contact: (03) 9496 2787 Fax: (03) 9496 7232
HEIDELBERG Brenda Morales Hepatology Nurse Level 8, HSB Austin Health, Heidelberg Contact: (03) 9496 2787
1170 Main Rd, Eltham
West Heidelberg
Contact: (03) 9439 2222
Banyule Community Health Centre
Fax: (03) 9439 3662
Hepatitis C Outreach Clinic as part of
EPPING
Austin Health.
Northern Hospital 185 Cooper Street, Epping Contact: (03) 8405 8000 Fax: (03) 8405 8524
FITZROY St Vincent’s Hospital 35 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy Contact: (03) 9231 3475 Fax: (03) 9231 3489
FOOTSCRAY Western Hospital Gordon Street, Footscray Contact: (03) 8345 6291 Fax: (03) 8345 6619
Dr Daljean Sandhu, weekly visiting Gastroenterologist and Hepatitis C Nurse. 21 Alamein Road, West Heidelberg Contact: (03) 9496 6846 Fax: (03) 9496 2732
MAROONDAH Maroondah Hospital (Eastern Health) Out-Patients, Ground Floor, Davey Drive, Ringwood East Contact: 1300 342 255 Fax: (03) 9871 3202
MILDURA Mildura Infectious Diseases Unit
FRANKSTON
234 Thirteenth Street, Mildura
Peninsula Liver Clinic 141 Cranbourne Road, Frankston Contact: (03) 9770 0139
PARKVILLE
Contact: 0408 581 781 Royal Melbourne Hospital Corner Royal Parade and Grattan Streets, Parkville Contact: (03) 9342 7212 Fax: (03) 9342 7277
Contacts PRAHRAN Alfred Hospital Infectious Diseases Department 99 Commercial Road, Prahran Contact: (03) 9076 2359 Fax: (03) 9076 2194
SANDRINGHAM
Community-based hepatitis C treatment services
St Kyrollos Family Clinic
Community based treatment clinics have
Contact: (03) 9386 0900
been developed to enable more people to access treatment in their local communities.
Dr Ashraf Saddik Monthly visiting Hep C Nurse 2A Moore Street, Coburg
Werribee Mercy Hospital Consulting Suites
Bayside Hepatitis Clinic (Alfred Hospital)
Barkly Street Medical Centre
300 Princess Hwy, Werribee
193 Bluff Road, Sandringham
Dr Elizabeth Leder
Contact: (03) 9288 2171
Contact: (03) 9076 2259
Dr David Iser visits monthly
Fax: (03) 9288 3596
Fax: (03) 9076 2194
60 Barkly Street, St Kilda
SHEPPARTON
Contact: (03) 9534 0531
Goulburn Valley Health Centre
Cohealth (formerly North Yarra
50 Graham Street, Shepparton
Community Health)
Contact: (03) 5832 3600
75 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
Fax: (03) 5831 6032
Contact: (03) 9411 3555
Access Health
SPRINGVALE
Cranbourne Integrated Care Centre
Primary health care and needle syringe
Springvale Community Health
Hepatitis Outreach treatment clinic
55 Buckingham Street, Springvale
140-154 Sladen Street, Cranbourne
Contact: (03) 9594 3088
Contact: (03) 03 5990 6789
Fax: (03) 9594 2273
Fax: (03) 03 5990 6328
TRARALGON
Gateway Community Health
Latrobe Regional Hospital
155 High St, Wodonga
Private Consulting Suites 3 and 4
Contact: (02) 6022 8888
Princes Highway, Traralgon West
Fax: (02) 6024 5792
Health Works
Health Works
syringe program
Contact: (03) 5173 8111 Fax: (03) 5173 8097
WARRNAMBOOL Warrnambool Physicians’ Rooms St John of God Warrnambool Hospital, Suite 4, Wentworthh Street Consulting
4-12 Buckley Street, Footscray
Primary Needle Syringe Programs
program for marginalised/street based injecting drug users, street sex workers and people experiencing homelessness. Hepatitis C information, support and treatment 31 Grey Street, St. Kilda Contact: (03) 9536 7780
Primary health care and needle Hepatitis C information, support
Contact: (03) 9362 8100
and treatment
Living Room
4-12 Buckley Street, Footscray
7-9 Hosier Lane, Melbourne Contact: (03) 9945 2100
Rooms, Warrnambool
North Richmond Community Health
Contact: (03) 5562 9444
Dr John Furler
Fax: (03) 5561 2699
Weekly visiting Hep C Nurse
WODONGA
23 Lennox Street, Richmond
Murray Valley (Private) Hospital
Primary health care centres (for people who use drugs)
Contact: (03) 9418 9800
Contact: (03) 9362 8100 www.wrhc.com.au/Services_HEALTH.html Inner Space Primary health care and needle syringe program Hepatitis C information, support and treatment. 4 Johnson Street, Collingwood
Nordsvan Drive, Wodonga
Nunawading Clinic
Contact: (03) 9468 2800
Contact: (02) 6056 3366
176 Springvale Road, Nunawading
www.nych.org.au/services/drug.html
Fax: (02) 6056 3466
Dr David Ross GP s100 prescriber for HCV and Opiate Replacement Program Contact: (03) 9878 9191
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Contacts Living Room Primary health care and needle syringe program Hepatitis C information, support and treatment services 7-9 Hosier Lane (off Flinders Lane), Melbourne Contact: (03) 9662 4488 www.youthprojects.org.au
Related Health Services
Regional services
Penington Institute - formerly ANEX
These contacts are able to provide
(Association for Needle Exchanges)
information about local viral hepatitis
95 Drummond Street, Carlton
related services.
Contact: (03) 9650 0699
Ballarat Community Health
Harm Reduction Victoria (HRV)
Kirsty Simpson
128 Peel Street, North Melbourne
Contact: (03) 5338 4572
Contact: (03) 9329 1500
Barwon - Surf Coast Health Service
South East Alcohol and Drug Service (Forster Street) Primary health care and needle syringe program Level 2, 229 Thomas Street, Dandenong Contact: (03) 8792 2330
Haemophilia Foundation Victoria, 13 Keith Street, Hampton East Contact: (03) 9555 7595 Email: info@hfv.org.au
Contact: 03) 4215 7850
Hepatitis Australia Web forum for professionals in the hepatitis C sector. www.hepatitisaustralia.com/ forum/publicaccess/
Catina Eyres
Turning Point 54-62 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy Contact: (03) 8413 8413 Email: info@turningpoint.org.au Web: www.turningpoint.org.au
Indigenous Health Ngwala Willumbong Co-op Limited 93 Wellington Street, St Kilda Indigenous drug and alcohol service Contact: (03) 9510 3233 Email: reception@ngwala.org VACCHO (Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation) 17 - 23 Sackville Street, Collingwood Contact: (03) 9411 9411 Email: wendyb@vaccho.com.au Web: www.vaccho.org.au Victorian Aboriginal Health Service 186 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy Contact: (03) 9419 3000
Sexual Health Melbourne Sexual Health Centre 580 Swanston Street, Melbourne Contact: (03) 9341 6200 Free call: 1800 032 017 Multicultural Health and  Support Service, HIV, hepatitis C and sexually transmissible infections 23 Lennox Street, Richmond Contact: (03) 9418 9929 Go to: www.ceh.org.au/mhss.aspx
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HIV/Hepatitis/STI Education and Resource Centre at the Alfred Moubray Street, Prahran Statewide resource centre on HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmissible Infections Contact: (03) 9076 6993 Web: www.alfredhealth.org.au
Barwon Health Drug and Alcohol Services Contact: (03) 4215 8700 Bendigo Health Contact: (03) 5454 6000 Camperdown Hepatitis C Support worker Jo Sloetjes Contact: (03) 5593 3415 Email: camperdown.resource@svdp-vic.org.au CAN (Country Awareness Network) Bendigo Information, education, support, referrals and advocacy to Victorian rural/regional communities regarding HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, other Blood Borne Viruses and Sexually
Multilingual Hepatitis C Resources
Transmitted Infections
This website has over 400 pages of hepatitis C and HIV information in 18 languages. www.multiculturalhivhepc.net.au
Contact: (03) 5443 8355
Health Services Commissioner 30th Floor, 570 Bourke Street, Melbourne Freecall: 1800 136 066 Email: hsc@health.vic.gov.au
Jigsaw Youth Health Service
Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission Information on state and federal equal opportunity laws and programs Level 3, 204 Lygon Street, Carlton Contact: 1300 891 848 Email: information@veohrc.vic.gov.au Web: www.humanrightscommission .vic.gov.au
Latrobe - Mobile Drug Safety Worker
Victorian Viral Hepatitis Educator Training for Doctors, Nurses and other health professionals Contact: (03) 9288 3586
Contact: 1800 242 696
0407 865 140
Contact: (03) 5521 0350
Email: can@can.org.au Web: www.can.org.au (Barwon Health Geelong) Rochelle Hamilton Contact: 1300 094 187 Helen Warner 0438 128 919 Mildura - Sunraysia Community Health Anne Watts Contact: (03) 5022 5444 Email: schs@schs.com.au Moe Community Health Centre Portland - Glenelg Southern Grampians Drug Treatment Service Bev McIlroy
Contacts Shepparton Community Health Contact: (03) 5823 3200 Wangaratta - Ovens and King Community Health Centre Diane Hourigan Contact: (03) 5723 2000 Warrnambool - Western Region Alcohol and Drug Centre (WRAD) Dr Brough is offering limited specialist services from the WRAD centre on the 2nd Thursday of each month. Contact: 1300 009 723 Wimmera (East) Region (Birchip, Wycheproof, St Arnaud) Phil Blackwood (Naturopath/Psychologist) 0403 625 526 Wodonga Community Health Jenny Horan/Anita Contact: (02) 6022 8888 Yarra Valley Community Health Service Healesville Shop 2, 297 Maroondah Highway, Healesville. Once per month clinic GP referral – can be faxed to Dept of Hepatology, Eastern Health Contact: 1300 130 381 Yarrawonga Community Health Cherie McQualter Whyte Contact: (03) 5743 8111
IMPORTANT SURVEY What kind of hepatitis training suits you? Hepatitis Victoria is conducting a survey to expand our training and education around viral hepatitis, and to ensure its relevance. One way to combat hepatitis is to increase the awareness of those who come into contact with people who live with, or are at risk of viral hepatitis. So if you are in that category we want to hear from you! Our confidential survey will ask about yourself; your job; your understanding of hepatitis, and what training you would find useful – and will only take 15 minutes. So please go to: www.hepvic.org.au/ page/28/training and help us improve the response to hepatitis.
What is Hep Connect? Hep Connect provides an opportunity for people with hepatitis C to mutually discuss their experience with a trained peer volunteer over the telephone. All peer volunteers have experience of living with hepatitis C and have undertaken hepatitis C treatment or are living with cirrhosis. Hep Connect is a FREE and CONFIDENTIAL service and can be accessed by calling the Hepatitis Infoline
1800 703 003 (free call)
Hep Connect aims to:
•
Assist people living with hepatitis C
•
Assist people’s decision making process around treatment
•
Enhance people’s capacity to cope with treatment
•
Assist people to manage living with cirrhosis
•
Reduce isolation and increase overall hepatitis C support.
GET THE REAL STORY! FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT!
BOOK A SPEAKER
The Hepatitis Victoria Public Speakers Bureau is a highly dedicated group of people affected by hepatitis B and hepatitis C who seek to educate the wider community on the issue of living with viral hepatitis by sharing their personal stories. Our speakers are the human face of viral hepatitis and help to reduce fear, myths, stigma and discrimination. Speakers will tell their personal story around viral hepatitis and how it has impacted on their life. Common discussions around viral hepatitis include:
• Experiences with diagnosis and treatment • Experiences with the health sector and/or health care professionals • Community attitudes, stigma and discrimination • Disclosure • Being healthy with viral hepatitis. HOW TO BOOK A SPEAKER Bookings are open to all community groups, not-for-profit agencies, commercial and organised training or conferences. To discuss bookings or for more information contact: Marina Mazza Community Participation Project Officer on 9385 9106 or: marina@hepvic.org.au
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Hepatitis Infoline Call the Hepatitis Infoline to talk about: Information: We can answer questions and mail information to you. Support: We can provide support for a range of issues and concerns. Referral: We can refer you to other organisations and services. The Hepatitis Infoline is a free and confidential service for all Victorians. Hours Monday to Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm
1800 703 003 Your donations make a difference!
Y
our donations help us to provide information, services, advocacy, resources and support for people affected by viral hepatitis, health professÂionals and members of the general
public. All donations of $2 or more are tax deductible. If you do not receive your receipt promptly, then please call Hepatitis Victoria on 03 9380 4644, or email: admin@hepvic.org.au
I would like to donate the following amount:
Please send my receipt to:
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Suite 5, 200 Sydney Road
Brunswick, Victoria 3056