What is hepatitis C (HCV)?

HCV is a virus that can cause liver cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer. Over the last 5-10 years, revolutionary tablet treatments have been developed that successfully cure the vast majority of patients. They only need to be taken for a few months and have very few side effects. Since they have been introduced, liver transplant numbers, liver cancer deaths and liver failure deaths from HCV have fallen. We are now focusing our efforts on identifying and treating patients with active HCV, to eliminate this virus as a public health threat by 2025.

Dr Will Gelson is a consultant hepatologist with an interest in viral hepatitis. He works at Addenbrooke’s Hospital and is clinical lead of the regional hepatitis C treatment programme. Will will introduce the hepatitis C virus and its effects on the liver.

Rachael Batesis an HCV Clinical Nurse Specialist who co-ordinates testing events in community settings and will explain about HCV testing.

Paul Selby is an HCV ODN Lead Pharmacist who will talk about the drug treatments that are available for HCV.