Experts ask is the UK ready to fight back?
Two independent reports published today find that the NHS is failing to tackle the hepatitis C epidemic, placing huge social and financial burdens on the healthcare system.* Results from a nationwide audit show that 92% of Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) are ignoring this problem by not effectively implementing the 2004 Department of Health Hepatitis C Action Plan.
An additional report by leading experts, The UK vs. Europe: Ready to Fight Back? recommends new measures to improve the Action Plan and avert the potential crisis that is threatening to cripple the healthcare system.
Charles Gore, Chief Executive of The Hepatitis C Trust, comments, We have an opportunity to reverse this spiraling epidemic and avoid not just the unnecessary deaths of thousands but also a financial crisis for the NHS. If we do not seize this opportunity we will look back and know that by our inaction we let it happen.
The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Hepatology carried out this independent audit of both PCTs and Hospital Trusts. The audit found that there is currently no concerted nationwide effort to identify the estimated 400,000 people infected with hepatitis C who are still undiagnosed. Only 34% of PCTs have a protocol in place for the testing and/or screening of hepatitis C. The Audit also found that 46% of Hospital Trusts reported significant delays for patients wanting treatment.
Dr. Brian Iddon, MP and member of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Hepatology, states, The research shows a worrying postcode lottery of care. With such strong evidence, it is clear the Government must make it a priority to enforce the Action Plan, tackling the management of this hidden timebomb.
The UK vs. Europe: Ready to Fight Back? report sets out key recommendations for the Government and healthcare policy makers. The report calls for immediate action to strengthen the national strategy by setting out clear targets and a timetable for change. It recommends the appointment of a government advocate to lead implementation of the Plan and also highlights the importance of increasing awareness of the disease and creating adequate infrastructure to support both the population at risk and those caring for them.
The report also highlights the success other European countries have experienced in fighting hepatitis C. Many countries have developed effective policies to detect and treat patients in order to save lives, improve the quality of life of infected patients and reduce the burden of chronic liver disease. The report has taken the best practice models across the continent to form the basis of the recommendations in the UK.
Professor William Rosenberg, author of the UK vs. Europe Report, and Professor of Hepatology at the University of Southampton, comments, We have set out what needs to be done. The NHS needs to take these recommendations on board now if we are to stand any chance of effectively controlling this insidious disease.
* A recently presented study at a European medical congress (European Association for the Study of the Liver 2004) estimated that the financial burden through the ineffective diagnosis and treatment of chronic hepatitis C over the past two years has cost the NHS more than 300 million.
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Source: www.hepctrust.org.uk
Posted: 24th May 2006
