Posted: 28-Jun-2007 << BACK
Blackburn Citizen - By Pete Magill
Hundreds of hepatitis C sufferers in Blackburn and Darwen are set to benefit from the launch of an innovative information scheme.
The new e-learning' resource, pioneered by the borough's primary care trust, is the only one of its kind in the north west. And it is thought to be the only such project in the UK which offers assistance to those who struggle with written English. The initiative is part of ongoing hepatitis C education and awareness raising by health professionals and substance misuse workers at Blackburn's Jarman Centre.
Hepatitis C is a disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) which can cause chronic liver problems.
While it is difficult to provide accurate assessments of the number of sufferers locally, there is a national infection rate of between 0.5 per cent and one per cent, equating to between 800 and 1,600 people in Blackburn with Darwen.
People usually catch hepatitis C through infected blood, such as through transfusions, or via contaminated needles - but the cause of up to a third of cases remains unknown. The rates of the condition increase substantially in areas where there are higher incidences of people illegally injecting drugs.
Patients will be given expert help on managing the condition, and advice and support before and after hepatitis C testing, under the new scheme.
Rebecca Demaine, the PCT's sexual health services strategic manager, said: "The launch of this unique eLearning resource is a very important step forward in extending the opportunities for getting key messages across about hepatitis C to all sections of our community.
"It will be of benefit to professionals working in occupational and patient education, advising on hepatitis C prevention, management and treatment.
"We will be making the resource widely available to organisations working with people affected by hepatitis C in the Blackburn with Darwen area."
It is hoped that the education programme will particularly prove useful for high-risk groups, including haemophiliacs and drug users. Part of the benefits on offer include an audio link, translating advice into spoken English for those whose reading skills are poor. Support is also available in Urdu and Gujerati.
Both features of the course were made possible by input from the media studies department at Accrington and Rossendale College, which assisted with the scheme. The college provided volunteer speakers and translators, under the production of young graphic designer John Stanyon, who runs his own fledgling enterprise there, Studio Function.
Funding to develop the resource was provided by Blackburn with Darwen Drug and Alcohol Action Team.
