Testing and treating Hepatitis C in Dublin Simon’s BBVU Unit

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For #WorldHepatitisDay, Samantha Makiwa, Clinical Nurse Manager at our Blood Borne Virus Respite Stabilisation Unit (BBVU) explains the role of our BBVU in testing and treating Hepatitis C.  

“Hepatitis C is a viral infection that can be spread through contact with infected blood. This can happen through the sharing of needles or syringes. When an individual tests positive for Hepatitis C, is experiencing substance use disorders, and is experiencing homelessness or is at risk of being homeless, such an individual is referred to the BBVU. receive clients with various referral pathways, most of which come from the Mater ID clinic and the St James GUIDE clinic, both of which are infectious diseases clinics.  

Once referred to the BBVU, our aim is to stabilise the clients so that they are in good health to be able to withstand their Hepatitis C treatment. We do this by engaging them in our ‘Reduce The Use Programme’, which is an interactive 3-week programme designed to help clients reduce their drug use. The programme is run by our project workers, support workers, and sometimes the nurses on duty.  

We are aware of the fact that drug addiction can be very difficult for one to stop abruptly. However, we try our best to support them and explain to them that they need to stop their drug use to get effective Hepatitis C treatment. We do this through different teaching approaches and discussions, covering topics such as; how could they refuse any temptation to take drugs or what they think will help them recover.  

Apart from our ‘Reduce The Use Programme’, we also engage clients in various activities, such as art classes, cooking classes, meditation, and health promotion groups. This helps them to re-gain their wellbeing and effectively comply with their Hepatitis C treatment.  

While on their treatment, our role is to support our clients throughout the whole process; from attending regular appointments, complying with their treatment and prescribed medications, as well as being on the lookout for any side effects. As it might be a new treatment, clients might experience some discomfort, or gastrointestinal irritation. In the BBVU, we have a nurse 24/7, so these symptoms can be treated as soon as possible.”