Advertising campaign to raise awareness of blood-borne viruses
The Department of Health has launched an advertising campaign to raise awareness of blood-borne viruses (BBVs), and the importance of BBV prevention among Aboriginal people aged 16-39 years. Blood-borne viruses – such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV– are transmitted by blood, and hepatitis B and HIV can also be transmitted through sexual activity (sexual transmission of hepatitis C is also possible if blood is present).
The campaign was developed in consultation with Aboriginal Health Workers and leaders from regional and metropolitan areas and community based organisations including a peer organisation for people who inject drugs. Interviews with Aboriginal people in WA that have a lived experience of hepatitis C and HIV also shaped the campaign development. People with blood-borne viruses often look and feel healthy, so encouraging people at risk to get tested is a key factor in addressing blood-borne viruses.
Hepatitis C notifications are disproportionally high in the Aboriginal population. In WA, hepatitis C notifications in Aboriginal people are 13-times higher than reported among non-Aboriginal people. Injecting drug use also contributes to a proportion of newly diagnosed HIV infections in WA. Testing is crucial as a range of treatments are now making it possible for people with blood-borne viruses to continue to live long and healthy lives. Treatments are now available through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. A cure is now possible for 95 percent of people with chronic hepatitis C.
Highly effective treatments are also available for people living with HIV. Encourage your clients and community to get tested for blood-borne viruses. For more information read about blood-borne viruses or go to lookafteryourblood.health.wa.gov.au
Naloxone saves lives
Recent overdose deaths raise fears for people in prison – naloxone must be made available to save lives.
Click here to read the media statement
What is naloxone?
Naloxone is a medicine that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose. It is an antagonist. This means that it attaches to opioid receptors and reverses and blocks the effects of other opioids. Naloxone can quickly restore normal breathing to a person if their breathing has slowed or stopped because of an opioid overdose.
How is naloxone given?
Naloxone should be given to any person who shows signs of an opioid overdose or when an overdose is suspected. Naloxone can be given as a spray or it can be injected into the muscle, under the skin, or in the veins.
Hepatitis C Testing
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Results in 1 hour
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Hepatitis C Testing • Results in 1 hour •
The Deen Clinic now offers point of care (finger-prick) testing for Hepatitis C.
It is quick, easy and accurate.
Just walk in, no appointments needed.
The Deen Clinic is Proudly AGPAL Accredited
The Deen Clinic general practice is AGPAL accredited – what does this mean?
Being accredited means that our general practice is committed to a comprehensive program that involves:
• Engaging our whole practice team to review our practice’s systems and processes
• Opening our practice doors to allow a team of independent surveyors to assess how our practice operates
• Assessment of our practice, and achievement of the nationally recognised Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP)
Standards for general practices, that focus on health care quality and patient safety. As a member of the community, you may be surprised to learn that general practice accreditation is a voluntary process – which means not all practices undergo an independent on-site assessment on a regular basis.
Achievement of AGPAL accreditation reassures you that our doctors and practice team are committed to providing you with high quality health care in a safe environment.
Next time you visit our practice be sure to look out for the AGPAL Accredited General Practice Symbol (to the right) or our accreditation certificate.
Our practice team is proud of this achievement and as part of this process, we continuously strive to make quality improvements to better your patient experience. Australian General Practice Accreditation Limited (AGPAL) is a not-for-profit independent provider of general practice accreditation in Australia.
To learn more about the benefits of accreditation to you, your family, and the Australian community visit www.agpal.com.au.
What is Hepatitis?
The word hepatitis simply means inflammation (titis) of the liver (hepat). Hepatitis can be caused by viruses, harmful consumption of alcohol, drugs, medications, contact with some chemical and toxins, and some autoimmune conditions. The inflammation in the liver is your body’s natural reaction to the damage being caused by these conditions and toxins.
Hepatitis Australia Launches New National Hepatitis Infoline
The National Hepatitis Infoline (1800 437 222 / 1800 HEP ABC) is a collaboration between Hepatitis Australia and it's members, the State and Territory Hepatitis Organisaitons, including HepatitisWA.
The infoline provides confidential and free information on hepatitis B and hepatitis C and allows people to speak with someone from their state who can provide brief interventions, peer support, referral and linkage to services in their area, and individual advocacy.
Find out more about The National Hepatitis Infoline
