As we mark World Hepatitis Day, our staff have explained how they’re helping to tackle the virus.
We’re supporting Scotland’s hepatitis C elimination strategy through the pan-Lanarkshire Harm Reduction Team (HaRT), based at Coathill Hospital in Coatbridge.
Leon Wylie, HaRT Team Lead, said: “We’re focusing on improving access to hep C testing for those who most need it.
“The team runs a vital outreach service across Lanarkshire using a specially-equipped clinical van. With new technology that can give results within an hour of a test, the team work in community settings such as homeless units and soup kitchens to lower the barriers to hep C testing. This makes it easier and faster for people with the virus to get treatment.
“Our mission is to reduce the health and social harms linked to drug use – both for individuals and for communities. We do this through practical, evidence-based interventions like needle exchange using the outreach van and 27 pharmacy sites, blood-borne virus testing, wound care, overdose prevention and distribution of naloxone – an antidote for overdoses.
“The team’s approach is rooted in compassion and respect, recognising that drug use is a complex health and social issue, not a moral failing or purely a criminal matter.
“Our team works with highly marginalised patient groups. The experience and specialist knowledge of the team continue to make a very positive impact on short and long-term health outcomes.
“The outreach van itself provides a two-person, person-centred, anonymous and needs-led service. It offers a wide range of injecting equipment tailored to individual needs, safer injecting advice, overdose awareness and naloxone training, wound care, virus testing and vaccination, sexual health support and links to wider services such as treatment, housing and debt support.
“The goal isn’t to pretend drug use is ever fully safe – but to make it less risky, keep people alive and healthier, and connect them to help in a respectful, confidential way.
“This service is running at full capacity amid rising demand, showing just how important it is in reducing harm and promoting health in Lanarkshire.”
