The British Liver Trust released a press release noting that treatment, counselling and support services for Hepatitis C were inadequate according to a survey of liver units. Read more about The British Liver Trust released a press release noting that treatment, counselling and support services for Hepatitis C were inadequate according to a survey of liver units.
The Department of Health wrote to the Haemophilia Society that the cases it, and the UKHCDO, had raised had been investigated, and the relevant health authorities and trusts had reported to it that interferon had now been provided. Read more about The Department of Health wrote to the Haemophilia Society that the cases it, and the UKHCDO, had raised had been investigated, and the relevant health authorities and trusts had reported to it that interferon had now been provided.
Dr Hugh Nicholas, a senior medical officer in the Department of Health, expressed concern that the allocation of resources for the treatment of Hepatitis C may be "very patchy" across the country. Read more about Dr Hugh Nicholas, a senior medical officer in the Department of Health, expressed concern that the allocation of resources for the treatment of Hepatitis C may be "very patchy" across the country.
The Department of Health replied to Professor Howard Thomas maintaining the policy line that purchasers in local authorities were responsible for assessing the health needs of local residents. Read more about The Department of Health replied to Professor Howard Thomas maintaining the policy line that purchasers in local authorities were responsible for assessing the health needs of local residents.
Professor Howard Thomas wrote to the Department of Health to report difficulties of funding for interferon treatment. Read more about Professor Howard Thomas wrote to the Department of Health to report difficulties of funding for interferon treatment.
The Department of Health replied to Graham Baker, to say that it did not hold back money centrally or allocate resources to support specific treatments for particular segments of the population and that purchasers in local authorities were responsible for assessing the health needs of local residents. Read more about The Department of Health replied to Graham Baker, to say that it did not hold back money centrally or allocate resources to support specific treatments for particular segments of the population and that purchasers in local authorities were responsible for assessing the health needs of local residents.
Graham Barker of the Haemophilia Society continued to highlight instances of interferon treatment being denied on the grounds of cost. Read more about Graham Barker of the Haemophilia Society continued to highlight instances of interferon treatment being denied on the grounds of cost.
The haemophilia centre directors met. Dr Frank Hill reported that it was "an on-going battle to persuade purchasers to pay for [interferon treatment]." It was proposed at the meeting by Dr Brian Colvin that Dr Andrzej Rejman, a senior medical officer at the Department of Health, be contacted if haemophilia centre directors encountered difficulties. Read more about The haemophilia centre directors met. Dr Frank Hill reported that it was "an on-going battle to persuade purchasers to pay for [interferon treatment]." It was proposed at the meeting by Dr Brian Colvin that Dr Andrzej Rejman, a senior medical officer at the Department of Health, be contacted if haemophilia centre directors encountered difficulties.
The British Liver Trust, Haemophilia Society and Mainliners sent a letter to the Secretary of State, Stephen Dorrell, saying they were particularly concerned that significant numbers of people infected with Hepatitis C, were not getting access to "treatment with Interferon or other drugs". Read more about The British Liver Trust, Haemophilia Society and Mainliners sent a letter to the Secretary of State, Stephen Dorrell, saying they were particularly concerned that significant numbers of people infected with Hepatitis C, were not getting access to "treatment with Interferon or other drugs".
At a meeting of regional haemophilia centre directors Dr Brian Colvin said he "knew of problems in funding interferon and he thought that the Department of Health should confirm that this treatment would be funded when recommended by a physician." Read more about At a meeting of regional haemophilia centre directors Dr Brian Colvin said he "knew of problems in funding interferon and he thought that the Department of Health should confirm that this treatment would be funded when recommended by a physician."