Hepatitis C Operational Delivery Network for Greater Manchester and East Cheshire
As part of a wider World Health Organisation goal to eliminate hepatitis C (a virus that can infect the liver), globally by 2030, NHS England is committed to eliminating hepatitis C by 2025.
About the Operational Delivery Network
To achieve elimination by 2025, the Greater Manchester and East Cheshire Operational Delivery Network (ODN), as part of a national structure, delivers hospital and community-based care to identify, treat and engage people living with hepatitis C.
The ODN provides treatment for hepatitis C from our five base centres across the region:
- Hepatology, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT)
- Department of Infection, North Manchester General Hospital, MFT
- Department of Infection, Wythenshawe Hospital, MFT
- Gastroenterology, Macclesfield District General Hospital, East Cheshire NHS Trust
- Gastroenterology, Royal Albert Edward Infirmary, Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust
We also have an administrative base within Research and Innovation at MFT alongside clinics running in many other community locations across the region.
The Greater Manchester and East Cheshire ODN work with a wide range of partner organisations across the region, working towards the goal of micro-elimination and to deliver care to those not in regular contact with healthcare services or experiencing significant health inequalities:
- Hepatitis C Trust
- General Practices (GPs)
- Drug and alcohol services
- Homeless hostels and day centres
- Homeless charities
- Sexual health services
- Approved premises and probation
- Custody centres
- Emergency departments
- Mental health units
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C can cause brain fog and fatigue to some people but is often no trouble to many others until the liver has been damaged. If left untreated, it can sometimes cause serious and potentially life-threatening damage to the liver over many years (liver failure and cancer).
Hepatitis C can now be cured with a simple pill treatment.
With modern treatments it is possible to cure the infection, and most people with it will have a normal life expectancy. Hepatitis C can be cured with tablets taken for eight to 12 weeks and are over 95 per cent effective at curing hepatitis C if taken as instructed.
Hepatitis C can be spread through non-sterile equipment such as:
- Shared razors, nail clippers, toothbrushes, or diabetes supplies
- Needles or syringes for injecting drugs or steroids
- Tools for body piercings or tattoos
- Sexual activity without protection, in particular in men who have sex with men
There is no immunisation for Hepatitis C currently so even after treatment and cure, it is possible to catch it again if engaging in the risks above.
Free and confidential home tests for hepatitis C available via the NHS
It has never been easier to find out if you have hepatitis C. The NHS has launched a new testing service, allowing you to easily and discreetly get tested for hepatitis C from the comfort of your own home. Like with all viruses, you only need to be at risk once to contract it, although many people at risk will never get it.
Order a free and confidential home testing kit today.
Working with healthcare professionals and partner organisations
We are always looking for opportunities to work with healthcare professionals and partner organisations across Greater Manchester and East Cheshire to help eliminate hepatitis C.
If you would like to get in touch, please email: mft.manchesterodn@nhs.net
