Launch of Hepatitis Scotland

Hepatitis Scotland, a new voluntary organisation funded by the Scottish Government launched today to help improve Hepatitis prevention, treatment and support.

Hepatitis Scotland will support and lead the work of voluntary sector groups towards:

• preventing the spread of viral hepatitis through the highly infectious Hepatitis B and C viruses
• increasing the numbers of people diagnosed with viral hepatitis
• improving access to hepatitis treatment and support
• improving the range and quality of prevention, treatment and care services
• reducing stigma associated with viral Hepatitis.

A new portal www.hepatitisscotland.org.uk is launched today, linking viewers to Scottish, UK and international web sites on a wide variety of issues about viral hepatitis and giving more information about the work of Hepatitis Scotland.

Hepatitis Scotland will be managed by Scottish Drugs Forum, the national drug policy and information charity, under a two-year contract awarded by the Scottish Government in spring 2011. It will be staffed by a team of three and work in partnership with statutory agencies and patients.

Scottish Government Minister for Public Health, Michael Matheson MSP, said:
“The treatment and prevention of viral hepatitis remains a priority for the Scottish Government. In recent years, through our Hepatitis C Action Plan, we have led the world in our response to viral hepatitis.

“The new funding awarded to Scottish Drugs Forum for the delivery of Hepatitis Scotland is a key part of our continued commitment to delivering to best quality, joined up treatment and prevention services for those suffering from or at risk of viral hepatitis.

For more information contact:
Patricia Brown, Hepatitis Scotland Patient Involvement Officer, email: Patricia@sdf.org.uk tel 0777 156 1890.
Graham Mackintosh, Hepatitis Scotland Training Officer, email graham@sdf.org.uk tel 07823 887022.