Trials and tribulations of hepatitis C treatment in Lothian prisons.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is blood-borne virus that can cause both acute and chronic infection. In Scotland, it is well known that the main transmission route of HCV is through drug use and a study into prevalence of HCV in Her Majesty’s Prisons (HMPs) in Scotland showed that 53% of intravenous drug users (IVDU) tested were antibody positive (Taylor et al, 2012). The aim of HCV treatment is to reduce the risk of progression to cirrhosis, lessen the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, reduce/clear infectivity and improve the quality of life (British Liver Trust, 2014). Involving non-medical prescribers in the treatment of hepatitis C in prisons has contributed to a more seamless and timely patient pathway, avoiding delays from the onset of symptoms to the issuing of an appropriate medication if indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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