Our Parliamentary World Hepatitis Day reception was a fantastic success. As World Hepatitis Day happened to be on the second day of the new Parliament (MPs only returned to Westminster on the 18th May), it was the very first health reception of the new Parliament!
The reception buzzed as MPs, Peers and journalists learnt about hepatitis C from patients, Trust staff and volunteers over scones and afternoon tea. Many celebrities (including our Patron Sadie Frost, actor Matt Horne and singer Jocelyn Brown) came by to show their support and learn more about hepatitis C as did musicians who recorded the World Hepatitis Day album, This Day.
We were delighted that the new Minister with responsibility for public health, Anne Milton, was able to come by and give an extremely inspiring and encouraging speech to supporters. It was her first official engagement as Minister so a memorable occasion for all of us. Sadie Frost gave a moving speech about her family’s experience of hepatitis C – her father had the virus undiagnosed for many years and died in 2003.
We launched a new ‘Get Tested!’ drive at the reception which includes the roll-out of hepatitis B and C testing in pharmacies (we are inviting all PCTs to work with us on this), a GP awareness programme (whereby volunteers engage with their local GP surgeries – contact Leslie at Leslie.Jenkins@hepctrust.org.uk if you would like to get involved) and a peer-to-peer educator project for drug services.
