September Good Liver:Good Liver 14/09/13 4:31 PM Page 1
The Newsletter of Hepatitis Victoria
September 2013
Good Liver
Treatment as prevention
World Hepatitis Day Victoria’s wrap-up
Street Shot 2013 Who the winners are...
Research shows that changing our approach to people who inject drugs will cater for advances in treatments.
A snap shot of a few of the World Hepatitis Day events that were held as part of this years celebration.
There were over 170 entries of a very high standard and the judges had great difficulty in short listing the winners.
September Good Liver:Good Liver 14/09/13 4:31 PM Page 2
Contact and postal address: Hepatitis Victoria 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
Staff
Contents
Melanie Eagle
3
Communiqué
CEO Telephone: 9385 9102 melanie@hepvic.org.au
Garry Irving Programs and Operations Manager Telephone: 9385 9109 garryi@hepvic.org.au
Lisa Nulty Office Coodinator Telephone: 9380 4644 admin@hepvic.org.au
Isabella Natale Young People’s Program Coordinator Telephone: 9385 9111 isabella@hepvic.org.au
Kristy Garner
From the desk of the Chief Executive Officer.
4
In the news
6 7
Have your say World Hepatitis Day Calls for greater immunisation.
8
World Hepatitis Day Victoria’s wrap-up.
10
Street Shot photographic exhibition. And the winners are...
12
Development Coordinator Telephone: 9385 9105 kristy@hepvic.org.au
Marg Sutherland Health Promotions Officer Telephone: 9385 9103 marg@hepvic.org.au
Melissa Wright Health Promotions Officer Telephone: 9385 9104 melissa@hepvic.org.au
Alicia Lowndes Marketing, Communications and Online Services Coordinator Telephone: 9385 9107 alicia@hepvic.org.au
Claire Ferrier 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. Images are used for illustrative purposes only and have no connection to hepatitis.
Reader response Your comments or experiences in regard to any articles in the Good Liver are welcome. Call, write or email: alicia@hepvic.org.au
2
Meet our public speakers Meet the people who are standing up to fight discrimination, raising awareness and sharing their experiences.
15
From Inside Peer education in a Victorian prison.
16
Moving in Introducing our three new staff members.
17
Treatment as prevention and eradication of hepatitis C among people who inject drugs
18 19
Noticeboard
20 21
Liver clinics list
Garry Sattell Community Support Services Coordinator Telephone: 9385 9110 garry@hepvic.org.au
Young Blood
Annual General Meeting and Board Nominations
Contacts
Community Participation Officer Telephone: 9385 9106 claire@hepvic.org.au
FIND US ON FACEBOOK FOLLOW US ON TWITTER
September Good Liver:Good Liver 14/09/13 4:31 PM Page 3
Communiqué From the desk of the Chief Executive Officer
O
n 28 July we celebrated the 6th World Hepatitis Day, held in partnership with
the World Health Organisation. This year’s campaign theme was: This is
• Less than 3% of people in Australia with hepatitis B are currently receiving antiviral treatment. Less than 2% of people with hepatitis C seek treatment each year.
Hepatitis… Know It, Confront It focusing
Even more offensive is the fact that the
global efforts on the real-life impact of viral
evidence is clear regarding the value of
hepatitis.
investing.
Our September edition of the Good Liver is
One of Australia’s leading viral hepatitis
working with a variety of organisations to
centred on this theme and the people who
experts, Dr Benjamin Cowie, says that
hold Love Your Liver lunches, we have
are affected and those who are standing up
without an urgent lift in immunisation and
certainly been out there.
to raise awareness and speak out.
treatment levels Australia faces a hepatitis
We have worked with schools, TAFEs,
crisis.
prisons, health centres and homelessness
Similar to saying “Enough!” This must stop.
Speaking on World Hepatitis Day, Dr Cowie
services, alcohol and drug services, and
The situation must change.
said State and Federal Governments must
many more to spread the word. To get
rethink current policies to stem a blow-out in
people to know it and confront it.
Know it! Confront it! A powerful rallying call.
And so around the world people have been rallying in relation to viral hepatitis. Calling
deadly liver disease and liver cancer cases.
And we have been inspired by others who
“Liver cancer is increasing faster than any
have helped tell the story. As you will also
other cause of cancer death in the country.
see inside, the students in our Street Shot
More resources are absolutely required both
program have drawn on their own creative
for patient and healthcare worker education,
talents to tell others about the importance
I am constantly reminded of the extent of the
but also to develop programs to try and
of these issues in both photos and words.
problem we are up against, the comparative
implement vaccinations and treatment uptake
neglect of the problem and the dire
in our infected communities,” Dr Cowie.
for the extent of the silent epidemic to be known. Calling for it to be confronted. And remedied.
implications for the people affected.
Similarly we have been privileged to have those who live with viral hepatitis, or are
Back here at Hepatitis Victoria we are doing
in various ways affected by it, share their
I came across the following quote,
what we can to get people to know it and
stories. And give power to the message.
summarising the problem on a global scale:
confront it.
They have joined us in education sessions,
‘‘
Something as prevalent as viral hepatitis, to which a third of the global population has been exposed, with which a 12th is chronically infected and from which 1 million die every year, is more than just a health issue. It is a social, human rights, economic and even environmental issue… Now is the time for people to get informed, to use that information and tackle the stigma that has kept this epidemic so silent for so long.
and shared their experiences with
Charles Gore, president of the World Hepatitis Alliance
Warm regards,
Closer to home the inequities are also stark.
The following pages show the effort we, in
Melanie Eagle CEO
And particularly offensive given we have the
collaboration with many others, are putting
resources as a community to address them.
into raising awareness.
• Over 400,000 people in Australia live with
World Hepatitis Day presents an opportunity
‘‘
chronic viral hepatitis (hepatitis B and C).
to focus our efforts. So, around Melbourne
This is nearly 20 times the number of
and regional Victoria, we and others did
people living with HIV/AIDS.
just that.
• Approximately 55,000 Victorians are living
organisations with whom we work. This speaking out gives power to the message. And as you can also see inside we will be working to create more opportunities for this to occur, and to support more people to lend their voice to the rallying call.
Whether it was putting a spotlight on hepatitis
with chronic hepatitis B and 65,000 are
B for a day, or bringing to Bendigo the latest
living with chronic hepatitis C.
knowledge in relation to hepatitis B and C, or
3
September Good Liver:Good Liver 14/09/13 4:31 PM Page 4
In the news
Funding received for Public Speakers Bureau
$5 million to reduce hepatitis and other blood borne virus rates by improving access to needle and syringe programs in rural and regional areas. The funds were approved as part of the 2013 Federal Budget and will be allocated over 4 years. For more details on the funding read the media releases at www.hepatitisaustralia.com
Researchers call for increased hep C treatment for drug users Researchers at the Kirby Institute at the University of NSW have published the global recommendations in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases that suggest the burden of liver disease could Hepatitis Victoria has recently received funding from the Department
be dramatically reduced by increasing treatment for hepatitis C
of Health, through a Health Condition Support Grant, to continue
infection among people who inject drugs.
chronic disease self management programs during 2013-14. Additionally, this year will see Hepatitis Victoria establish our first Public Speakers Bureau. The aim of the Public Speakers Bureau is to empower individuals living with viral hepatitis, along with affected others, to educate the community through speaking engagements about their own
Almost 80% of all hepatitis C infections occur among people who inject drugs, with only 1% of those people currently receiving treatment. Kirby Institute senior lecturer and co-lead author of the recommendations Dr Jason Grebely said treatment for hepatitis C infection among people who inject drugs remained unacceptably low.
experiences living with/or being affected by viral hepatitis. Through these speaking engagements, Hepatitis Victoria aims to then
“Clinicians have been hesitant to recommend treatment in this
address the fear, myths, stigma and discrimination associated
population because of a lack of understanding about how lifestyle
with viral hepatitis.
factors may impede successful treatment,” Grebely said.
Speakers will develop their presentations in response to each
Unlike other types of hepatitis, there is currently no vaccine to
request and are selected to speak in accordance with their
prevent hepatitis C and medication is the only way to manage
subject matter knowledge and experience in particular areas.
the disease.
Hepatitis Victoria is currently developing the training content for the
Source: The Star Observer, 5 August 2013,
first introduction to public speaking weekend course, which will be
www.starobserver.com.au/news
taking place on Saturday 5 October and Saturday 12 October. If you are interested in becoming a public speaker or know someone who may be interested, contact Claire Ferrier on 03 9385 9106 or email claire@hepvic.org.au.
Funding boost for viral hepatitis welcomed The Federal Government has announced it will invest around $30 million for a major new prevention program and research to address increasing rates of sexually transmissible infections (STIs) and blood borne viruses including HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. The announcement includes over $5 million in funding for improving testing, diagnosis and update of treatment for hepatitis B and over
4
September Good Liver:Good Liver 14/09/13 4:31 PM Page 5
Liver cancer prevention policy launched The Cancer Council has launched a Liver Cancer Prevention chapter of their National Cancer Prevention Policy. The Liver Cancer Prevention chapter discusses liver cancer's impact and risk factors, and presents the evidence on primary and secondary prevention strategies. It includes information about evidence-based strategies to prevent primary liver cancer, with a focus on approaches to prevent and control chronic hepatitis B and C infections. The majority of liver cancers are preventable through primary prevention strategies to reduce or eliminate transmission of hepatitis B and C, and through early detection and appropriate
Software tool targets hepatitis risk
management of infected individuals.
A pilot study has shown that a new computer program could help GPs tackle liver cancer caused by viral hepatitis.
The chapter was developed in consultation with Australia’s leading
The program assesses the risk of chronic hepatitis B infection by using existing practice software to predict country of birth from surnames and matching patients to existing surveillance records. Dr Benjamin Cowie, a physician with the Victorian Infectious Diseases Service at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, said ideally every patient’s country of birth would be recorded on all practice management software and records, although this happens in less than 5% of practices. “There’s clear evidence we need to be doing more, and this new software would help us bridge the gap,” he said.
cancer and hepatitis specialists and endorsed by the Cancer Council's principal Public Health Committee. You can read the full policy at www.wiki.cancer.org.au/ prevention/Liver_cancer
Award winning Body Armour theatre production – 2013 tour Hepatitis Victoria was pleased to support this year’s production of Body Armour, the next installment from the team behind the multi award-winning Chopped Liver play (which has been seen by almost ten thousand people in over 150 communities, schools and prisons). The production toured Victoria during August, putting
The trial, at four Melbourne practices, identified 19,000 potential cases of hepatitis infection with sensitivity for detecting notified cases of 61%. Sensitivity was slightly higher in women and in those born in China or Vietnam. It was considerably lower in those aged under 10 years.
on 10 public performances.
“After we get the results, we will be able to see what proportion has hepatitis B and that will allow us to assess the screening utility of this program. If it’s going to be successful and relatively inexpensive, the next step would be to scale it up for other practices,” Dr Cowie said.
Arts and Health Award for Victoria.
At the launch of its first liver cancer prevention policy, the Cancer Council Australia called for a multi-sectoral approach to reduce the incidence of liver cancer through improved prevention, diagnosis and treatment of viral hepatitis.
In September 2013, Hepatitis Victoria, together with the Ilbijerri Theatre Company, Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) and the Department of Health were delighted to be awarded the Creative Partnership Australia
The award regonises the partnership between Ilbijerri, VACCHO and Hepatitis Victoria (funded by the Department of Health), that has been successfully operating for more than 9 years with both the Chopped Liver and now the Body Armour play. Congratulations to all involved in this very successful partnership. More information: www.ilbijerri.com.au
“Building greater awareness among healthcare professionals of the link between hepatitis B and liver cancer, its prevalence and treatment options, is essential to improve screening and treatment uptake, and help prevent progression from hepatitis B infection to cirrhosis and liver cancer,” Dr Cowie said. Source: Medical Observer, 25 July 2013, www.medicalobserver.com.au
5
September Good Liver:Good Liver 14/09/13 4:31 PM Page 6
Have your say
Australian study seeking people with chronic hepatitis B to complete a questionnaire
Mark Farmer Memorial Award – nominations now open
Hep Coalition calls for people to sign petition to test and treat hepatitis C
Hepatitis Victoria recognises, celebrates,
Access to prevention tools, diagnostics,
supports and appreciates the
and treatment remains extremely limited,
The Australian Research Centre in Sex,
commitment, effort and achievements
particularly for people who inject drugs (PWID),
Health & Society (ARCSHS) at La Trobe
of individuals living with viral hepatitis
a group disproportionately affected by hepatitis C.
University is seeking people with chronic
through the Mark Farmer Memorial
hepatitis B who live in Australia to complete
Award.
a questionnaire about their experience attending liver clinics and/or general practice (GP) to manage/monitor their hepatitis B. You can complete the questionnaire via this
Nearly 60% (10 million) of the world’s 16 million people who inject drugs have hepatitis
We would like to know who you think
C and 80% of new infections are caused by
deserves this year’s award. For details on
the sharing of injecting equipment.
how to nominate visit: www.hepvic.org.au/markfarmeraward
link: www.surveymonkey.com/s/K3FKX8Q
The World Health Organization (WHO) must act to increase global access to HCV diagnostics and treatment Sign the petition at: www.hepCoalition.org
Strategic Plan NOW Report Card OUT!
Hepatitis Victoria membership
In December 2012 Hepatitis Victoria formally adopted the 2013-
Make a difference, become a member
2017 Strategic Plan, setting out a clear vision and pathway for the next 4 and a half years. As part of the end of financial year reporting, a Report Card has been prepared to update you on our progress and outline the focus for the coming year. Thanks to the support from our members, volunteers and partners in 2012-2013 we were able to:
•
Join lobbying efforts across Australia and successful
By keeping up to date with the latest information, research and events you can discover ways to manage hepatitis as well as support those affected. Becoming a member of Hepatitis Victoria has many benefits, including:
•
Good Liver magazine.
list hepatitis C treatment on the PBS.
•
Deliver over 230 education sessions and answer over 800 Infoline calls.
• • •
Distribute 28,300 information and educations resources. Secure ongoing funding for the next four years, a first for Hepatitis Victoria.
•
• •
Secure funding for a positive speakers bureau and development of a mobile phone application.
Receiving notification of and invitation to special events. Attend our Annual General Meeting, vote for Board members, or even consider becoming a Board member yourself!
Pilot our first online chronic disease self-management course (Going Viral).
Receiving our information-packed quarterly
•
Assisting us to advocate on your behalf to have your needs considered by Government and the wider community.
A strong membership base is an important way that we demonstrate support for our organisation and work. It also helps us to keep in touch with what the important issues are for people with hepatitis and what they want done about it. To become a member or renew your membership contact Lisa
You can download our Report Card from:
Nulty: admin@hepvic.org.au, or sign up online at:
www.hepvic.org.au/page/strategic-plan
www.hepvic.org.au/page/membership
6
September Good Liver:Good Liver 14/09/13 4:31 PM Page 7
World Hepatits Day Calls for greater Immunisation
ealth authorities in Australia have used
H
Dr Benjamin Cowie, an infectious diseases
World Hepatitis Day to call on the
doctor at Royal Melbourne Hospital, has
Federal and State Governments to rethink their
supported this approach commenting that
current immunisation policies because of the
State and Federal Governments must rethink
growing number of people being diagnosed
current policies to stem a blow-out in deadly
with liver cancer and liver disease. Helen Tyrrell, CEO of Hepatitis Australia, has told Radio Australia's Pacific Beat the disease is a global epidemic that needs urgent attention. "Within Australia we have around 218,000 people living with chronic hepatitis B,"
transmitted globally has been from mother to child. "That child does not necessarily have any symptoms of infection until they're in their late teens or 20s."
Ms Tyrell said. "That means there's about 9
Hepatitis B can also be passed between
people with chronic hepatitis B for every one
people through any form of blood to blood
person with HIV."
contact and through sexual contact.
Ms Tyrrell says globally more than 240 million
Ms Tyrrell says while progress has been
people have the virus and about two billion
made in ensuring more infants and children
people are estimated to have been exposed
are vaccinated against the virus, it's vital
to it. Ms Tyrrell says about half of the infected
Governments support testing programs to
population aren't aware they have the virus.
diagnose more people.
liver disease and liver cancer cases. “More resources are absolutely required both for patient and healthcare worker education, but also to develop programs to try and implement vaccinations and treatment uptake in our infected communities.”
if people are undiagnosed the they may unknowingly pass 're also virus on to others and they ing from at much greater risk of dy se complications of liver disea and liver cancer Dr Cowie said at about $10 for each
th there's about 9 people wi y one chronic hepatitis B for ever person with HIV
"What we're doing...is to call on the Australian
vaccination, immunisation and treatment
Government to rethink their hepatitis B
are much more cost effective than spending
immunisation strategy, in particular to ensure
thousands of dollars each time a patient with
that they reach those families coming from
chronic hepatitis B is admitted to hospital.
"We think there's about 100,000 people living
to increase vaccination coverage within those
unknowingly with chronic hepatitis B just in
communities in Australia."
Australia," she said. "That's about 50 per cent, that's probably at least that level in many other countries." Ms Tyrrell says the main ways hepatitis B is
high prevalence regions like the Asia Pacific
She says if people are undiagnosed they may unknowingly pass the virus on to others and they're also at much greater risk of dying from complications of liver disease and liver cancer.
“The cost of one liver transplant would buy many thousands of doses of vaccine, so this really is a priority.” Deaths from liver cancer in Australia are rising faster than for any other cancer and hepatitis B is a major contributor to that trend. "That number's growing each year so we've really got to do something to reverse that trend, said Ms Tyrrell. Ms Tyrrell says she would like to see Australia doing more to help its regional partners within the Asia Pacific region address hepatitis B within their countries. "Obviously many people come to Australia from the Asia Pacific region," she said. "There are very good reasons why Australia should be concerned about hepatitis B not only within our own country, but within the region." Source: ABC News and The Age,
Hepatitis crisis looms, warns expert, www.theage.com.au/national
7
September Good Liver:Good Liver 14/09/13 4:31 PM Page 8
World Hepatitis Day Victoria’s wrap-up What a busy couple of months we’ve had here at Hepatitis Victoria! Seven grants were given to our partner organisations to support their own World Hepatitis Day events and Hepatitis Victoria held its own events in both Melbourne and Bendigo. This is a snapshot of just a few events held as part of this year‘s celebrations.
As our Community Supports Services
The forum for health professionals was
Coordinator Garry commented “five years
extremely well attended and provided an up
ago, we wouldn’t have had anyone confident
to date insight into hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
enough to share their story publicly, so we
Speakers were all experts in the field, and
have come a long way, but still have much
the day finished with a brilliant personal story
more to go”.
by one of our public speakers followed by
Hepatitis Victoria’s continued commitment to including public speakers in all of our work was reinforced at this event and some in the audience were inspired enough to sign up to become public speakers themselves. You can read more about the speakers’
a lively and engaging discussion of content covered during the day. Participants left the day well equipped and enthusiastic to support those affected throughout regional victoria.
y: Comments from the da
stories on page 12.
Bendigo – Health Professionals Forum and Community Open Day Two events were held in Bendigo on 1 August, in partnership with community
“Brilliant day, lecturers were concise and covered all aspects of hepatitis” “Thoroughly enjoyed the day and learnt heaps”
agencies Bendigo Health, Bendigo Community Health Services, Country Awareness Network and the Victorian Hepatitis B Alliance. Both events were jointly funded by Hepatitis Victoria, General Practice Victoria (GPV) and the Australasian Society
“Thank you for bringing this conference to Bendigo” “Very informative - very well conducted”
for HIV Medicine (ASHM).
Melbourne – Public speakers and afternoon tea
The two events consisted of an all day
opportunity for anyone interested in
professional development forum for health
One of Hepatitis Victoria’s aims for World
discussing tips about healthy eating to enjoy a
professionals, and a Love Your Liver
Hepatitis Day this year was to reduce stigma
fabulous (and healthy) lunch. The link
Lunch and education forum for interested
and discrimination. Hepatitis Victoria believes
between a healthy diet and reducing the
community members.
likelihood of serious liver damage for people
that a constructive way to start talking about this is to hear from people personally affected by viral hepatitis.
The Love Your Liver Lunch was an
living with viral hepatitis was highlighted. One of the key messages from the day was in addition to healthy lifestyle practices,
On Friday 26th July, a panel of five
regular monitoring of liver health is vital so
speakers living with hepatitis B
that people can consider treatment at the
or C shared their stories with an
right time based on how the liver is fairing.
audience of partner organisation
How a person feels doesn’t always match
representatives, the affected
the degree of liver damage so regular
community and key stakeholders.
monitoring is recommended.
It was a powerful and moving discussion followed by afternoon tea with some people disclosing their status publicly for the first time.
8
September Good Liver:Good Liver 14/09/13 4:31 PM Page 9
in the local community and
Speakers represented general practice,
furthermore, strongly promote the
acute care and community-based nursing.
global campaign of ‘know it,
The Royal Australian College of General
confront it’
Practitioners designated the event as
by promoting testing, treatment
Continuing Professional Development and
and hepatitis B vaccinations.
the evaluation demonstrated that the majority of participants felt their learning objectives were met.
living with hepatitis C about his journey
South West Melbourne Medicare Local (SWMML)
since diagnosis, including his treatment
Medicare Locals (ML) are primary health
Day grant is a perfect example of working with
experience. The local hepatitis C nurse
care organisations, established by the
a community organisation to ensure services
presented an update on the rapidly
Commonwealth Government to coordinate
in their area meet the needs of people at risk
changing treatment landscape.
primary health care delivery and tackle
of or affected by viral hepatitis.
Health Works community stall, training and lunch
local health care needs and service gaps.
The feedback from the event was positive and
There are 61 MLs operating around
Hepatitis Victoria looks forward to continuing
Health Works at Western Region Health
Australia, including the SWMML
to work in partnership with SWMML.
Centre in Footscray aims to improve the
which covers the Hobsons Bay and
health and wellbeing of people who inject
Wyndham regions. It was established on
drugs in the western suburbs of Melbourne.
1 July, 2012.
Health Works were one of the seven
SWMML held a dinner event on
recipients of our World Hepatitis Day grants
31 July attended by 27 local GPs,
and hosted a number of impressive events
practice nurses and pharmacists, to
throughout July. These included staff
raise awareness of viral hepatitis
training in the use of a fibroscan, a
including symptoms and diagnosis,
community information stall in the local
treatment options, patient safety,
mall and a Love Your Liver lunch on 24 July.
services and support available in the
Participants heard from a person
The lunch was held in conjunction with
The use of Hepatitis Victoria’s World Hepatitis
Western Region.
Western Region Health Centre’s dietician and included a tasty soup with locally donated bread and lots of fruit. This event was a great opportunity for both Health Works staff as well as other staff to network with invited guests. The events had a strong focus on encouraging service users to not only be tested, but to return for their results and thus further engagement and options. Alongside the promotion of testing, the hepatology nurse ran fibroscan clinics throughout the month of July resulting in eight people being scanned on site and another five booked in. This is an excellent example of how an organisation can raise awareness of viral
World Hepatitis Day events included:
11 July - Moogji Aboriginal Council, Orbost 26 July - Hepatitis Victoria, Melbourne 26 July - Vincentcare Victoria, North Melbourne 26 July - SHARPS, Frankston 24 July - Healthworks - WRHC, Footscray 29 July - VHBA - Spotlight on hep B forum, Melbourne 31 July - South West Melbourne Medicare Local, Wyndham 1 August - Hepatitis Victoria, Bendigo 8 August - Hanover Welfare Services, South Melbourne
hepatitis, reduce stigma and discrimination
9
September Good Liver:Good Liver 14/09/13 4:31 PM Page 10
Young blood Street Shot 2013. And the winners are... Congratulations to Brophy Foyer Warrnambool and Upper Yarra Secondary schools for taking out this year’s top prizes in the 2013 Street Shot Competition.
A
s part of our World Hepatitis Day celebrations, Hepatitis Victoria held the Street Shot Photography Exhibition and Love Your Liver Lunch at the No Vacancy Gallery in Melbourne’s QV Centre.
In attendance were 17 schools and around 100 students from across Victoria eager to view their work on display. Health advocate and media presenter Sally Cockburn (Dr Feelgood), along with sporting personality Joffa Corfe were guest judges and presented the awards to this years’ winners to a packed gallery. “Street Shot is about using photography to raise awareness about the transmission of hepatitis amongst young people. This year there have been some amazing pieces of art submitted by some very talented kids”, said Dr Feelgood. There were over 170 entries of a very high standard and the judges had great difficulty in short listing the winners. Entries were also supported by a short photo essay to explain the photograph, many of which were quite insightful and demonstrated that the young people involved had really got the message about hepatitis C, reducing the likelihood of transmission and breaking down stigma and discrimination. The prize of $1,000 for Most Outstanding Group Entry was awarded to Brent, Nick , Skye and Jack from Upper Yarra Secondary College for their work entitled “Drugs, It’s Not Childs Play”. The prize for Most Outstanding Individual Entry was awarded to Dylan from Brophy Foyer Warrnambool for his entry entitled “The Life of Hep C”. The entries demonstrated a great deal of effort and commitment from the
can You e entries th ge ), k Pa view still Facboo /hepvic n om ur on o ebook.c to host a the c sed n for w.fa (ww h was u mpetitio . Our whic oting co Awards ‘like’ to ev oice onlin ples Ch re asked nd one Peo ers we image a $75 a w follo avourite k home r. f o e r o thei voter t vouch y o luck rtsc
Spo
10
young people involved. The exhibition and awards ceremony gave them the opportunity to see their work up on public display and to get the recognition they deserved, and for some even a few prizes.
Street Shot aims to engage young people who might be at risk of contracting viral hepatitis before they engage in risky behaviours so that they are empowered to prevent transmission, both for themselves and their peers. The young people participate in a hepatitis awareness education session and are then supported to take photographs to illustrate what they’ve learnt. Hepatitis Victoria’s CEO, Melanie Eagle commented, “Street Shot is a great way to reach young people and keep them involved. This is vital given that most new infections of hepatitis C are in people aged 15 to 29”.
September Good Liver:Good Liver 14/09/13 4:31 PM Page 11
Individual: Most Outstanding (above) The life of hep C Artist: Dylan - Brophy Foyer Warrnambool Individual: Outstanding (Right) Questionable Artist: Grace - Upper Yarra Secondary College Individual: Highly commended (Far right) There is a light at the end of the tunnel Artist: Georgia - Wadonga TAFE
Team: Most Outstanding (Above) Drugs: It’s not child’s play Artists: Brent, Nick, Skye and Jack Upper Yarra Secondary College
People’s choice: Online How Would You Know Artist: Grace Upper Yarra Secondary College (Not pictured) People’s choice: Gallery Nick Heinmann Artist: Nick Macedon Ranges Satellite VCAL (Not pictured)
Team: Outstanding (Above) I am not a statistic Artists: SHARC Recovery Services SHARC
Team: Highly commended (Above) Look before you leap Artists: SHARC Recovery Services SHARC
Hepatitis Victoria would like to thank our sponsors for this years’ event – Victorian Government, No Vacancy Gallery, Sportsco, Streat and the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI)
11
September Good Liver:Good Liver 14/09/13 4:31 PM Page 12
Meet our public speakers
Meet the people who are standing up to fight discrimination, raising awareness and sharing their experiences. Some of these people volunteer for Hepatitis Victoria, some share their personal stories at events, all of them are confronting hepatitis.
there are many symptoms that you have to confront daily, but there are ways you can manage them and live a normal life. People with hepatitis should be able to sit in a café, have a coffee and not have to worry – like everyone else. During World Hepatitis Day I was part of the panel discussion with four other speakers. It was my first time speaking to a crowd, but something I felt strongly about doing.
Talk and share By Kathy I started volunteering at Hepatitis Victoria only a few months ago. I rang the Infoline late one evening to ask a question and heard the voicemail message about volunteering opportunities. I have hepatitis B and thought that by volunteering I could learn more about the virus and help others by sharing my experiences. I come into the office around two times a week and help out with things like mailing resources.
I wanted to share my story and the things I have learnt throughout my journey with other people so they understand more about the virus. Symptoms like having no appetite, feeling fatigued and muscle and joint pain have an impact on your mood and how to go about your daily life. I want people to understand this and I want to let those people experiencing these symptoms know they are not alone.
ld be able People with hepatitis shouand not have e to sit in a café, have a coffe e. to worry - like everyone els
I first found out I had hepatitis around 15 years ago, through a blood test at my local doctor. The first thing I felt was shame, then I worried about what people would think and how they would treat me. Nowadays my focus is purely on managing the symptoms and staying healthy.
By talking about your symptoms and sharing your strategies for managing them we can face the realities of the virus – this is what I have and this is how I am dealing with it. You can overcome the stigma and stress by taking off the mask and no longer feeling ashamed to talk about it.
I have just started speaking at events to share with people my strategies for living a positive life with hepatitis. It is challenging,
If I can share my story and make it possible or easier for others to do the same then I have achieved my goal.
Hepatitis C – My journey
Subsequently I was diagnosed with hepatitis C, and was advised
By Graeme
by my doctor to wait for better treatment i.e. better drug and
Back in the mid 70s, I dabbled with drugs of all sorts, from smoking cannabis, to injecting psychedelics. I also used backyard tattooing methods with minimal safety procedures. I thought I was superman or something equivalent.
support services.
Most things I gave up by the early 80s, as I thought more about what I was doing with my body, and I was going through a fitness phase, so drugs went on the backburner. During the early 90s, my body was in pain and I had feelings of being uncomfortable and not in control of my health. So I sought help through my local GP and the government’s health services.
12
I had moved to Darwin to be closer to better health services but Menzies School of Health couldn’t help me at the time. So I decided to move to a bigger capital city. My doctor referred me to Austin Health, and in late 2011 I was offered to go on a clinical trial with standard interferon, ribavirin and two trial drugs. After the first week on trial, my viral load was undetectable, subsequently I was advised that treatment would be only 6 months. After completing the trial, the treatment was considered a cure for me.
September Good Liver:Good Liver 14/09/13 4:32 PM Page 13
Telling the story
I also learned a lot about presentation and story-telling from the HIV
By John
speakers. I've spoken before to a handful of groups, and in one week
I first went to a hepatitis C support group meeting when they were held somewhere in the city. I remember thinking how healthy the food, and by extension the people eating it were. For most of my life I had an unhealthy sugar-and-salt-and-fat based diet, and I think this contributed to my sense of discomfort at the meeting. Of course times change. The next time I went to a meeting would have been about 2001. By that time it had relocated to Sydney Road and the organisation we now call Hepatitis Victoria was called the Hepatitis Council of
had an audience of women prisoners followed by an audience of GPs. That was a very enlightening experience. I am by nature an (sometimes naive) optimist, and I can leave these sessions on a high and really confident for the future. I have two talks coming up in the next month.
a flurry of This year there has been p and we've activity in the support groupport group even been working on a su band. rock 'n' roll revivalist
Victoria. It was an old-fashioned mouthful, but I found it amusing that the acronym (HCV) was the same as that of the disease.
I admit that at times I am a bit nervous when speaking and I think about who the people
Right from the start, I enjoyed going to this group, and I made friends
are going to be and what kind of questions
with many people. Sometimes folks are happy just to have a place
they might ask, but most of the time
to swap notes, learn about new developments in treatment, chat
they are well-informed, genuinely
about hep C and possibly have fun outside of that.
interested and very friendly.
A few years back I was told that the Sydney Road group was the
I'm still new to public speaking,
longest running support group in the country, so that's an
and overall still enjoying it. I don't
achievement and I think testament to it's strength.
know how long I'll want to do
This year there has been a flurry of activity in the support group and we've even been working on a support group rock 'n' roll revivalist band.
it for, or even how useful or interesting my story will be after numerous re-tellings. Therefore I think it's important
I've met a lot of great people at these meetings, some of whom are
that new people are trained
no longer around. We went through a sad couple of years around
up and go out to speak.
2007-2009, which was also the period when I had my unsuccessful
It'll also give a more
attempt at the pegylated interferon/ribavirin treatment.
representative face to
In those years regular members Stuart, Mark and Jim all died,
the disease.
mainly due to liver problems. I believe they were all in their 50s,
It's great to see that Hepatitis
and all good friends who are missed.
Victoria is now training people to
In 2012, through Hepatitis Victoria, I learned of the Public Speakers Bureau organised by Positive Living Victoria where people are trained to speak publicly about HIV/AIDS, and now hepatitis.
go out and relay their experiences, and I encourage anybody with the disease to sign up for what is a very worthwhile activity.
I did the training and was soon sent out to do observations with Rose, who I learned a lot from (see page 14).
g treatment, A few months after stoppiner for Hepatitis te I decided to become a volunfor supporting me Victoria, to show my thanks tment. through my trea
I have also completed part one of the public speaking course, and have starting talking to people about my experiences. I try to relate my experiences to other people so that they can perceive how I progressed through my chronic illness with hepatitis C. I think that everybody should be aware of the pitfalls of using
A few months after stopping treatment, I decided to become a volunteer
unsafe drug practices, about sharing equipment and the dangers of
for Hepatitis Victoria, to show my thanks for supporting me through my
blood borne diseases, so that future generations will be free of these
treatment. I have been working mostly in resource mailouts, but also
complications and can get through their addictions less painfully.
have been ‘Ollie the Liver’ at different organised events.
We need to get the government to have a big push to notify the
I am now trained to talk with other people who are considering
general populace of the dangers from hepatitis to the well being
going on treatment or people going through treatment through
of the human race, something similar to Quit Smoking and
the HepConnect program.
alcohol consumption.
13
September Good Liver:Good Liver 14/09/13 4:32 PM Page 14
Meet our public speakers One dark night by Rose Coulter Like many others, I did not know I had hepatitis C (HCV) until much
It was Garry Sattell and he talked me away from my murderous
later in life. When I was 30 (in 1990), I had a blood test to hopefully
thoughts and steered me to hope through his calm understanding.
confirm my first pregnancy. Without pre or post test counselling I
He called me back from the abyss. It was the blackest night of my
was also informed of my HCV status.
life but I was not alone.
It was a big shock. I deliberately chose to disclose to people about
Although it took me another 2 years to physically recover from
having the virus and noticed that generally, my disclosure reduced
treatment, emotionally I had been traumatised and devastating
respect towards me. I found my community to be seriously
psychiatric symptoms have persisted to this day.
misinformed yet judgemental of hepatitis.
talk to. I felt the lack of a peer to my misery are It would have helped to shld understand with someone who wou rategies. and pass on useful st
The enormity of my experience and impact could not be left there so I sought ways to make change. Garry told me of the Speakers Bureau training which was being offered and I eagerly booked in. Free comprehensive training ran over several Saturday’s involving development of ‘your story’, presentation technique, peer talks as examples and lovely food. Being a speaker has been a significant part of my recovery, helping
In 2008, my viral load suddenly escalated and frightened that 40 years of HCV could end badly I was rushed into treatment. I was
me to process what happened and to be part of changing what others experience.
Genotype 2 facing 24 week treatment on weekly injected Pegylated
My story has changed over the past 4-5 years since treatment and
interferon and daily oral Riboviron.
hopefully I am letting go of the rage. Perhaps I am coming to terms
Although I thought I was prepared, I was about to be physically and mentally devastated and soon became too unwell to work or to organise support for myself. I did not have sufficient awareness of the physical and neuropsychiatric effects of the drastic treatment I was undertaking. I felt the lack of a peer to talk to. It would have helped to share my misery with someone who would understand and pass on useful strategies. It was 12 weeks into a 24 week treatment when my limit was
with what happened, learning to live with my Interferon changed brain and the marvellous new identity of no virus.
, I called several Desperately seeking helpwas hard to find telephone services. Help spoke gently to but it came when a man oria Infoline. me on the Hepatitis Vict It is important for others to tell their story and add their
reached. It was the most dreadful night, my blackest night. I was at
recommendations as treatment changes and new challenges arise. the edge of the abyss leaning into the seductive darkness of despair. I urge you to become a speaker and have your voice heard. ‘I must be mad’ I told myself as I sharpened my biggest kitchen knife Every talk helps to increase understanding, reduce stigma and to wield on those responsible for the diabolical drugs enraging my mind and a system that did not support me.
may be the encouragement your community needs to get well.
Desperately seeking help, I called several telephone services. Help
It will be amazing for HepVic to generate its own speaker’s bureau;
was hard to find but it came when a man spoke gently to me on the
I will be part of mentoring others so hope to meet you one day.
Hepatitis Victoria Infoline.
It helped me, it helps others and it just might help you too. See page 18 about how you can become a public speaker.
14
September Good Liver:Good Liver 14/09/13 4:32 PM Page 15
From Inside Peer education in a Victorian prison
W
orld Hepatitis Day gave us a fantastic opportunity to see how peer education
works to raise awareness about viral hepatitis. One of Hepatitis Victoria’s volunteers spoke to a group of prisoners about the experience of living with hepatitis C, following a more formal presentation about what hepatitis C is, how to reduce the risk of transmission and how to look after your liver if you have chronic hepatitis C. The impact of the volunteer’s personal story was clear as prisoners went out of their way afterwards to express their thanks and to say how much it resonated with their own experiences. During the presentation, there were times when prisoners were deeply moved, as they listened intently to a personal account of struggles around diagnosis, discrimination, positive lifestyle change and self nurturing as a choice that is not always role in establishing credibility, trust and
Marg Sutherland
belief”.1
Beyonf the Bars Health Promotion Project3CR’s Officer
the value of peer education including that
Judging by the response to our volunteer’s
References:
“inside information and knowledge derived
generous sharing of personal experiences,
1. AVIL, A framework for peer education by
from personal experience play an important
this was certainly at work on this occasion.
easy to adhere to. There has been a lot said and written about
drug-user organizations. January 2006 p.6
15
September Good Liver:Good Liver 14/09/13 4:32 PM Page 16
Moving in Three new staff members
Marg Sutherland
Melissa Wright
Claire Ferrier
Health Promotion Project Officer
Health Promotion Project Officer
Community Participation Project Officer
(Part Time)
(Part Time) Claire holds a Bachelor of Public Health and
Marg has worked in the blood borne virus and sexual health area for many years and has a background in nursing. She came to the area initially when she completed a graduate course in infectious diseases and cared for people with a range of illnesses including viral hepatitis, HIV and AIDS. Her main focus at Hepatitis Victoria will be viral hepatitis education within our priority populations and providing training to people
Working along side Marg is Melissa. Melissa works part time as a registered nurse, with experience in triaging acute illness. However, having worked with vulnerable individuals and people from
Health Promotion and has since gained a background in disability, social inclusion projects and partnership brokering through previous roles working in the community health and not-for-profit sector.
marginal populations in a variety of
Claire will be working on our community
settings, her skills and background
participation program, with a focus on
traverse a lot further than that.
establishing the public speakers bureau
She has worked on a project for Menzies
and our CDSM courses (Going Viral).
School of Health Research intended to
Claire brings significant and practical
reduce rates of smoking in young
experience from working within community
Marg is a qualified Myotherapist and an
indigenous Australians. She has also
participation projects at the EW Tipping
experienced health educator. She has
worked in Bangladesh for a human rights
Foundation, within the Eastern Metropolitan
worked at Melbourne Sexual Health Centre,
organisation who has a specific concern
region and Inner East Primary Care
the Australian Institute for Primary Care and
for the rights of women and girls. Her work
Partnership.
the Australian Research Centre in Sex,
was specifically aimed to reduce death
Health and Society. She also helps facilitate
and injury of women and babies during
their Course in Health: HIV and Hepatitis C
childbirth.
who work with them.
pre and post-test Discussion, which she has been involved in for around 10 years.
Claire was responsible for developing and implementing a catchment-wide project plan that addressed health promotion priorities
Melissa has worked as a public officer for
and health inequalities. She established
the Department of Health coordinating
inter agency projects with their member
Marg is happy to be back living and working
action for specific infectious diseases and
agencies.
in Brunswick following a year living in the
she has a Masters in Public Health.
United States with her partner and three kids. Welcome Marg.
Teaching on hold so that she can undertake
public health, infectious diseases, human
this role for the next twelve months.
rights and discrimination while working for Hepatitis Victoria.
16
Claire has put her studies in Primary
She is excited to combine her interests of
We look forward to all the great things Claire will bring to our support services.
September Good Liver:Good Liver 14/09/13 4:32 PM Page 17
Treatment as prevention and eradication of hepatitis C among people who inject drugs
N
ew research indicates that
changing our approach to hepatitis C (HCV) for people who inject drugs (PWID) is needed urgently to cater for coming advances in drug treatments. The new language around treatment is ‘treatment as prevention’ indicating that if treatment is targeted towards those most at risk of onward transmission of HCV, we have a real chance of reducing the overall disease burden of HCV in our community, potentially leading to eradication.
(NSPs) also has the potential to
PWID currently have very low treatment rates, reduce HCV prevalence, but only where coverage of perhaps due to perceptions that compliance with treatment will be low or there is little
services is significantly increased
desire to engage in treatment.
from current levels (e.g. 60% coverage
These perceptions are not supported by evidence and, in fact, evidence is now demonstrating that treatment compliance in this group is good and re-infection rates post-treatment are low. With the introduction of newer treatments which are more effective, shorter and more tolerable, the potential for successfully treating this group can only increase.
of OST/NSP services can reduce population prevalence by 33% in ten years where prevalence among PWID is currently at 40%). Economic modelling shows that scaling up treatment will also be cost-effective in terms
using drugs currently,
of savings to the healthcare system generally
geographically accessible and
and other social support systems which are
which can address a range of issues
impacted when individuals experience
experienced by clients.
disease and disability. However, most
Amy Kirwan
In the August 2013 edition of Hepatology,
importantly, the changes in quality of life for
Hellard et. al. report that modelling of
individuals affected by HCV would be marked. Prisons Project Officer
treatment scale-up demonstrates that investments in expanding treatment for PWID who currently use will reduce prevalence in the general population and reduce transmission and re-infection.
To achieve these gains across multiple
Reference:
domains – individual health, quality of life,
Hellard, M., Doyle, J.S., Sacks-Davis, R.,
population prevalence of HCV and cost
Thompason, A.J., McBryde, E. (2013)
effectiveness – a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach is needed.
Similarly, scaling up associated prevention
Services need to be provided in settings
initiatives such as opioid substitution therapy
which are non-judgemental, free from
(OST) and needle and syringe programs
discrimination as to whether individuals are
Eradication of hepatitis C infection: The importance of targeting people who inject drugs, Hepatology, DOI: 10.1002/hep.26623 (epub ahead of print).
17
September Good Liver:Good Liver 14/09/13 4:32 PM Page 18
Noticeboard
ted Are you interegsa in becomin volunteer or ? public speaker
Public Speakers Bureau Training
Would you like to share your story or your skills?
Suite 5, 200 Sydney Road, Brunswick
Saturday 12 October 2013 9.00am - 4.30pm Hepatitis Victoria’s Office The Hepatitis Victoria Public Speakers Bureau is a highly dedicated and diverse group of people affected by viral
Please join us for an information session on volunteering and public speaking. Saturday 5 October 2013 Hepatitis Victoria’s Office Suite 5, 200 Sydney Road, Brunswick
hepatitis who seek to educate the wider community on the issues of living with viral hepatitis by telling their personal stories. Our speakers are the human face of viral hepatitis and help to reduce fear, myths, stigma and discrimination. Training is open to anyone and everyone affected by viral
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Volunteer Information Session Learn about our organistion, hepatitis A, B and C and some of the roles we offer including:
• HepConnect and peer support via the Hepatitis InfoLine • Advocacy and Champions • Public speaking • Administration and office assistance • Plus many more! 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Induction to Public Speaking Training Learn about becoming a public speaker including:
• Hear from an experienced speaker • Storytelling - understanding your own story,
hepatitis. This includes, partners, family and friends. RSVP: claire@hepvic.org.au by 1 October 2013 or call (03) 9385 9106.
The program for the day will include: Presentation formula: Prepare: knowing your story, audience and venue Persona: being aware of posture, body language and tone of voice Engaging your audience: building rapport and getting attention Call to action: letting your audience know what you want them to do Tips for dealing with unplanned events
• • • • •
or call (03) 9385 9106
Storytelling: Introduction: whetting your audiences appetite for more Your story: telling your story with confidence Closing your story: delivering the WOW factor and summarising your presentation Adding value to your story: thanking your audience •
Please note: If you would like to become a public speaker
Please note: To complete this training you must have
you must attend both training sessions, as well as an all day
completed the volunteer information session and
training session on Saturday 12 October.
introduction to public speakers training at Hepatitis Victoria
what to tell and how to tell it
• Presentation skills - learn the steps for effective speaking. RSVP: claire@hepvic.org.au by 1 October 2013
• • •
on Saturday 5 October.
18
September Good Liver:Good Liver 14/09/13 4:32 PM Page 19
Annual General Meeting and Board Nominations Notice of meeting
2013 Call for nominations for the Board
Nomination for the Board
The Annual General Meeting of Hepatitis Victoria will be held on Tuesday 22
This is the formal call for Hepatitis Victoria
elected members of the Board.
October, 2013 from 3.00pm to 5.00pm
Board member nominations. Nominations
Each vacancy is a two-year appointment.
at the Hepatitis Victoria office:
should be addressed to the Secretary and
Suite 5, 200 Sydney Road, Brunswick 3056.
need to be signed by three different people
Please consider showing your support for
– the proposer, the seconder and the
our work by attending the AGM and/or
person nominated. All these people must
nominating for the Board. We would love to
be current members of Hepatitis Victoria.
see you there. Light refreshments will be served afterwards from around 4.30pm.
If you are interested in nominating, but don’t have a proposer and seconder please
Changes to Hepatitis Victoria’s Constitution
she will be happy to assist you.
At the AGM members will be asked to vote
Nominations for the Board must be received
on amendments to the Constitution of
at Hepatitis Victoria no later than:
Hepatitis Victoria.
5pm, Tuesday 24 September, 2012.
These amendments are largely to bring the
Either post or fax your completed
Hepatitis Victoria Constitution in line with the
nomination form (right) to:
model rules contained in the Associations
The Secretary, Hepatitis Victoria
Incorporation Reform Act 2012. The key changes within the amended Act are:
Suite 5, 200 Sydney Road
· · A codification of the legal duties (and
Fax: 03 9380 4688
Specified Financial Reporting structures. defences) applying to Board members and Office holders.
· The renaming and defining of the role of Public Officer to Secretary.
· The clarification and inclusion of natural ·
Name of person nominated:
Yes, I agree to be nominated for a position on the Board of Hepatitis Victoria Inc.
Signed (by nominee):
phone Melanie Eagle on 9385 9102 and
Date:
Nominated by:
Signed:
Brunswick Victoria 3056
Date:
Membership Status To be able to speak and exercise voting options at the AGM or to serve on the
Seconded by:
Hepatitis Victoria Board you must be a registered member of Hepatitis Victoria prior to the AGM. To check your membership
justice requirements for disciplinary and
status please phone Hepatitis Victoria on
grievance procedures.
9380 4644 or send an email to:
Changes to the timing of the Hepatitis
admin@hepvic.org.au
Victoria membership year and the process
Hepatitis Victoria has three vacancies for
Signed:
Date:
Note: membership fees may apply.
for determining membership fees. To have your say on the changes please
RSVP
Important
attend the AGM on Tuesday 22 October.
If you plan to attend the AGM please
For this nomination to be valid all nominees,
RSVP by Tuesday 15 October, 2012.
nominators and seconders must be current
If you are unable to attend, but would
members and this form must be returned to
like your apologies to be noted,
Hepatitis Victoria by 5pm, Tuesday 24
please contact:
September, 2012.
You must be a current member of Hepatitis Victoria. Only current members can vote on the changes. To become a member visit our Membership Page: www.hepvic.org.au or email:
Lisa Nulty Office Coordinator
Should more than three nominations be
Hepatitis Victoria
received a ballot will take place according
If you wish to view a full copy of the
P: 9380 4644
to the Hepatitis Victoria Constitution.
amended constitution please email:
E: admin@hepvic.org.au
admin@hepvic.org.au or call 03 9380 4644.
F: 03 9380 4688
admin@hepvic.org.au
19
September Good Liver:Good Liver 14/09/13 4:32 PM Page 20
Liver clinics
Liver clinics and liver specialists To access public hepatitis C treatment services a referral from a GP is needed. In most cases a referral is faxed to the hepatitis treatment service. The hepatitis treatment services will generally not discuss your treatment options with you until after they have received a referral from your GP. 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.
ALBURY Albury Community Health – Hepatitis Clinic Suite 3, Albury Wodonga Specialist Centre 2 Ramsey Place, West Albury. Contact: (02) 6058 1800 Fax: (02) 6058 1801
BAIRNSDALE Bairnsdale Regional Hospital Bairnsdale Regional Health Service Specialist Consulting Rooms. Princes Hwy, Bairnsdale. Contact: (03) 5150 3478 Fax: (03) 5150 3404
BALLARAT Ballarat Base Hospital Drummond Street, Ballarat Contact: (03) 5320 4211 Fax: (03) 5320 4472
BALLARAT Ballarat Community Health 210 Stuart Street, Ballarat Contact: (03) 5338 4500 or (03) 5320 7500 Fax:(03) 5339 3044
BENDIGO Bendigo Health Cnr Arnold and Lucas Streets, Bendigo Contact: (03) 5454 8422 Fax: (03) 5454 8419
BOX HILL Box Hill Hospital 16 Arnold Street, Box Hill Contact: (03) 9895 3333 (ask for OPD) Fax: (03) 9895 4852
20
CLAYTON
MAROONDAH
Southern Health Monash Medical Centre 246 Clayton Road, Clayton Contact: (03) 9594 6035 Fax: (03) 9594 6925
Maroondah Hospital (Eastern Health) Out-Patients, Ground Floor, Davey Drive, Ringwood East Contact: (03) 9895 3333 Fax: (03) 9871 3202
CRANBOURNE Southern Health Monash Medical Centre Contact: (03) 9594 3177 Fax: (03) 9594 6245
EAST RINGWOOD Maroondah Hospital Davey Drive, East Ringwood Contact: (03) 9095 2434 Fax: (03) 9899 9137
EPPING Northern Hospital 185 Cooper Street, Contact: (03) 8405 8000 Fax: (03) 8405 8761
FITZROY St Vincents Hospital 35 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy Contact; (03) 9288 3771 Fax: (03) 9288 3489
FOOTSCRAY Western Hospital Eleanor Street, Footscray Contact: (03) 8345 6291
MOORABBIN Bayside Liver Clinic (Alfred Hospital) 999 Nepean Highway, Moorabbin Contact: (03) 9276 2223 Fax: (03) 9276 2194
MILDURA Mildara 234 Thirteenth Street, Mildura Contact: 0408 581 781
PARKVILLE Royal Melbourne Hospital Corner Royal Parade and Grattan Streets, Parkville Contact: (03) 9342 7212 Fax: (03) 9342 7277
PRAHRAN Alfred Hospital Gastroenterology Department 55 Commercial Road, Prahran Contact: (03) 9076 2223 Fax: (03) 9276 2194
Peninsula Liver Clinic 141 Cranbourne Road, Frankston Contact: (03) 9770 0139
Alfred Hospital Infectious Diseases Unit 55 Commercial Road, Prahran Contact: (03) 9076 6081 Fax: (03) 9076 6578
GEELONG
SHEPPARTON
Geelong Hospital Ryrie Steet, Geelong Contact: (03) 5246 5117 Fax: (03) 5221 3429
Goulburn Valley Health 50 Graham Street, Shepparton Telephone: (03) 5832 3600
SPRINGVALE
GIPPSLAND
Springvale Community Health 55 Buckingham Street, Springvale Contact: (03) 9594 3088
FRANKSTON
Central Gippsland Health Service Guthridge Parade, Sale. Contact: (03) 5143 8600 Email: enquires@cghs.com.au
HEIDELBERG Austin Hospital 145 Studley Road, Heidelberg Contact: (03) 9496 2787 Fax: (03) 9496 7232
TRARALGON Latrobe Regional Hospital Private Consulting Suites 3 and 4 Princes Highway, Traralgon West. Contact: (03) 5173 8111
September Good Liver:Good Liver 14/09/13 4:32 PM Page 21
Contacts
WARRNAMBOOL
North Richmond Community Health
Western Region Alcohol and Drug Centre (limited hepatitis treatment services) 172 Merri Street, Warrnambool Contact: 1300 009 723
Dr John Furler
WODONGA Murray Valley (Private) Hospital (Dr Tim Shanahan – Gastroenterologist) Nordsvan Drive, Wodonga. Vic. Contact: (02) 6056 3366
WODONGA Wodonga Regional Hospital Vermont Street. Wodonga Contact: (02) 6051 7413
Community-based hepatitis C treatment services Community based treatment clinics have been developed to enable more people to access treatment in their local communities.
Barkley Street Medical Centre Dr Elizabeth Leder Monthly visiting Gastroenterologist and hep C Nurse 60 Barkley Street, St. Kilda Contact: (03) 9534 0531
Cranbourne Integrated Care Centre Hepatitis C outreach treatment clinic as part of Southern Health Services 140–154 Sladen Street, Cranbourne Contact: (03) 5990 6789
Greater Dandenong Community Health Service Hepatitis C outreach treatment clinic 229 Thomas Street, Dandenong Contact: (03) 8792 2200
Health Works 4 –12 Buckley Street, Footscray Contact: (03) 9362 8100
Living Room 7 – 9 Hosier Lane, Melbourne Contact: (03) 9945 2100
23 Lennox Street, Richmond
Harm Reduction Victoria (HRV) 128 Peel Street, North Melbourne Contact: (03) 9329 1500 Email: admin@hrvic.org.au
Contact: (03) 9418 9800
Health Works
North Yarra Community Health
Primary healthcare and needle syringe program Hepatitis C information, support and treatment 4-12 Buckley Street, Footscray Contact: (03) 9362 8100 www.wrhc.com.au/Services_HEALTH.html
Weekly visiting Hep C Nurse
Dr Ohnmar John Weekly visiting Hep C Nurse 75 Brunswick St, Fitzroy Contact: (03) 9411 3555 or (03) 9288 2259
Nunawading Clinic 176 Springvale Road, Nunawading Twice per month Dr. David Ross GP s100 prescriber for HCV and Opiate Replacememnt Program Contact: (03) 9871 3333
St. Kyrollos Family Clinic Dr Ashraf Saddik Monthly visiting Hep C Nurse
Inner Space Primary healthcare and needle syringe program Hepatitis C information, support and treatment. 4 Johnson Street, Collingwood Contact: (03) 9468 2800 www.nych.org.au/services/drug.html
2A Moore Street, Coburg
Living Room
Contact: (03) 9386 0900
Primary healthcare 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
Werribee Mercy Hospital Consulting Suites 300 Princess Hwy, Werribee Contact: 9386 2259 Fax: (03) 9216 8633
Primary health care centres (for people who use drugs) Primary Needle Syringe Programs
Access Health Primary healthcare and needle syringe 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
South East Alcohol and Drug Service (Forster Street) Primary healthcare and needle syringe program Level 2, 229 Thomas Street, Dandenong Contact: (03) 9794 7895
Turning Point 54–62 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy Contact: (03) 8413 8413 Email: info@turningpoint.org.au Web: www.turningpoint.org.au
ANEX (Association for Needle Exchanges) 95 Drummond Street, Carlton Contact: (03) 9650 0699 Email: info@anex.org.au
21
September Good Liver:Good Liver 14/09/13 4:32 PM Page 22
Indigenous Health
Multilingual Hepatitis C Resources
Ngwala Willumbong Co-op Limited
This website has over 400 pages of hepatitis C and HIV information in 18 languages. www.multiculturalhivhepc.net.au
93 Wellington Street, St Kilda
Indigenous drug and alcohol service Telephone: (03) 9510 3233 Email: reception@ngwala.org VACCHO (Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation) 17 – 23 Sackville Street, Collingwood. Telephone: (03) 9411 9411 Email: wendyb@vaccho.com.au Web: www.vaccho.org.au Victorian Aboriginal Health Service 186 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy Telephone: (03) 9419 3000
Sexual Health Melbourne Sexual Health Centre 580 Swanston Street, City Telephone: (03) 9341 6200 Free call: 1800 032 017 Multicultural Health and Support Service, HIV, hepatitis C and sexually transmissible infections 23 Lennox Street, Richmond. Telephone: (03) 9418 9929 Go to: www.ceh.org.au/mhss.aspx
Related Health Services Haemophilia Foundation Victoria, 13 Keith Street, Hampton East Telephone: (03) 9555 7595 Email: info@hfv.org.au Hepatitis Australia Web forum for professionals in the hepatitis C sector.www.hepatitisaustralia.com/ forum/publicaccess/ HIV/Hepatitis/STI Education and Resource Centre at the Alfred Moubray Street, Prahran Statewide resource centre on HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmissible Infections Telephone: (03) 9076 6993 Web: www.alfredhealth.org.au
22
Health Services Commissioner 30th Floor, 570 Bourke Street, City Freecall: 1800 136 066 Email: hsc@health.vic.gov.au Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission Information on state and federal equal opportunity laws and programs Level 3, 204 Lygon Street, Calrton Telephone 1300 891 848 Email: information@veohrc.vic.gov.au Web: www.humanrightscommission .vic.gov.au Victorian Viral Hepatitis Educator Training for Doctors, Nurses and other health professionals Telephone 9288 3586 Mobile 0407 865 140
Regional services These contacts are able to provide information about local viral hepatitis related services as well as active support groups. Ballarat Community Health Contact: Marg Stangl Telephone: (03) 5338 4500 Barwon - Surf Coast Health Service Telephone: 03) 4215 7850 Barwon Health Drug and Alcohol Services Telephone: (03) 4215 8700 Bendigo Health Care Group Contact: Catina Eyres Telephone: (03) 5454 6000
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 Transmitted Infections Telephone: (03) 5443 8355 Email: can@can.org.au Web: www.can.org.au Jigsaw Youth Health Service (Barwon Health Geelong) Contact: Rochelle Hamilton Telephone: 1300 094 187 Latrobe - Mobile Drug Safety Worker Helen Warner Mobile: 0438 128 919 Mildura - Sunraysia Community Health Contact: Anne Watts Telephone: (03) 5022 5444 Email: schs@schs.com.au Moe Community Health Centre Telephone: 1800 242 696 Portland - Glenelg Southern Grampians Drug Treatment Service Contact: Bev McIlroy Telephone: (03) 5521 0350 Shepparton Community Health Telephone: (03) 5823 3200 Wangaratta - Ovens and King Community Health Centre Contact: Diane Hourigan Telephone: (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. Telephone: 1300 009 723
Camperdown Hepatitis C Support worker Contact: Jo Sloetjes Telephone: (03) 5593 3415 Email: camperdown.resource@svdp-vic.org.au Wimmera (East) Region (Birchip, Wycheproof, St Arnaud) Phil Blackwood (Naturopath/Psychologist) Mobile telephone: 0403 625 526
September Good Liver:Good Liver 14/09/13 4:32 PM Page 23
Hep Connect
Wodonga Community Health Contact: Jenny Horan/Anita Telephone: (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 Telephone: 1300 130 381 Yarrawonga Community Health Contact: Cherie McQualter Whyte Telephone: (03) 5743 8111
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)
HEPATITISVICTORIA
SUPPORT GROUP
Meets on the third Sunday of each month between 2.00 – 4.00pm The Hepatitis Support Group meets at the offices of Hepatitis Victoria, Suite 5, 200 Sydney Road, Brunswick. The meetings are a great place to meet other people who are also living with hepatitis. The group is friendly and welcoming and comprises people from various backgrounds who come together once a month to talk about their experiences of living with hepatitis. One aspect of the group is support while
Hep Connect aims to:
another is socialising regularly with people who are going through the same
•
Assist people living with hepatitis C
sorts of challenges as you. It’s a great
•
Assist people’s decision making process around treatment
isolation and aloneness.
•
Enhance peoples capacity to cope with treatment
a meeting or would like to learn more about
•
Assist people to manage living with cirrhosis
Garry Sattell
•
Reduce isolation and increase overall hepatitis C support.
way to deal with those feelings of
You can call Garry on the Hepatitis Infoline 1800 703 003 if you want to either attend how the support group works.
Community Support Services Coordination
Upcoming Support Group dates in 2013
September 15 October 20 November 17 December 15
23
September Good Liver:Good Liver 14/09/13 4:32 PM Page 24
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! our donations help us to provide information, services,
Y
public. All donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.
advocacy, resources and support for people affected by
If you do not receive your receipt promptly, then please call
viral hepatitis, health professionals and members of the general
Lisa Nulty on 03 9380 4644, or email Lisa at: admin@hepvic.org.au.
I would like to donate the following amount:
Please send my receipt to:
■
Name
$20
■
$50
■
$100
$_____ (Your choice)
I have enclosed my cheque/money order/cash or Please debit my credit card for $______ Type of card: Visa/MasterCard
Address
Suburb/City
Name on Card Postcode
State
Card number:
■■■■ ■■■■ ■■■■ ■■■■ Expiry Date
www.hepvic.org.au
Send to: Hepatitis Victoria Suite 5, 200 Sydney Road Brunswick, Victoria. 3056