What assessment has the Welsh Government made of the effectiveness of community-based treatment for hepatitis C?
The Liver Disease Implementation Group has prioritised equitable access to hepatitis treatments and, in collaboration with health boards, has developed and implemented a national access protocol. This ensures that all who require treatment receive it, irrespective of where they are in Wales.
The considerable improvement in the drugs available has meant that compliance with treatment for hepatitis C is now very good. However, we continue to develop services so that treatment opportunities in the community are maximised for all patients. For example, treatment for offenders diagnosed with hepatitis C is now delivered in the prison setting. The Viral Hepatitis Sub Group of the Liver Disease Implementation Group is currently exploring other community access points. There are a number of pilot projects in place and evaluation of the success of these will be available later this year.