NHS Tayside supports World Hepatitis Day
MONDAY 27 JULY, 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. PHOTO AND INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITY: 11.00AM, TUESDAY 28 JULY, THE STEEPLE CHURCH, DUNDEE
NHS Tayside supports World Hepatitis Day
NHS Tayside is supporting World Hepatitis Day with a local campaign to encourage people to come forward for Hepatitis C testing.
A two metre high ‘Big Red C’ will be on display outside the Steeple Church in Dundee, as part of efforts by staff and volunteers from NHS Tayside and partner organisations, to raise awareness of advances in treatment and how people can access free testing.
Hepatitis C is a blood borne virus which can cause serious liver damage. Those most at risk of contracting the condition include people who are currently or have a history of injecting drugs including steroids or other performance enhancing or body image drugs such as injectable tanning products.
Dr Dillon, Consultant Hepatologist and Lead Clinician for the Blood Borne Virus Managed Care Network with NHS Tayside said, “Many people are unaware that they have the condition but dry blood spot testing for Hepatitis C is quick and easy and is widely available across Tayside.
“We want to get across the message that Hepatitis C, when diagnosed, can be cured.”
Fear of stigma and lack of information, often holds people back from getting tested or treated. We want to make sure that people know the wide range of friendly, accessible services that NHS Tayside and other partner agencies provide.
More information is available at www.hepcscot.org. For local information please go to www.bbvmcntayside.scot.nhs.uk
Contact:
Gaynyr Dickson
NHS Tayside Communications
01382 740716
