Ontario Hepatitis C Nursing Program
The Ontario Hepatitis Nursing Program (OHNP) works with individuals and families affected by Hepatitis C and offers support to individuals both on and off treatment. The Sudbury component of the OHNP offers hepatitis C treatment to mostly marginalized segments of the population, giving access to confirmatory testing, hepatitis assessment, case management and specialist referrals. Once on treatment, individuals continue to have access to a hepatitis C treatment nurse who will work with them on issues such as treatment side-effects, primary care, housing, income support and mental health problems.
The OHNP is based on harm reduction principles and therefore works with the client on adherence to hepatitis treatment while giving appropriate support to the client’s addiction issues. The program offers culturally appropriate education and support to the Francophone, Aboriginal and non-aboriginal population and advocacy to those living with or affected by HCV.
The referral process does not necessitate a family doctor, but can be made by other Partner agencies including Rockhaven, Iris Center, Salvation Army, SDPHU, the Corner Clinic, CMHA, the Point-the needle exchange program and SRH Mental Health Services.
On intake to the program, the clients are tested for presence of infection via HCV RNA testing, for genotyping and viral load. They are also sent for basic blood work to ascertain the level of liver disease. This will also expedite the referral process to the Infectious Disease specialist at the Sudbury Regional Hospital.
The treatment offered for hepatitis C infection is a combination of Interferon and Ribavirin which will be taken for 6-12 months. Success rates for the treatment vary by individual, but a cure is possible. The OHNP nurse oversees the adherence to treatment and helps the individual cope with side-effects or to seek appropriate medical care.
To ensure maximum success once the client is on hepatitis c treatment, time is spent with the individual to assist in appropriate housing, adequate income, help with addiction problems, nutrition and health status. This period of case management can last from a few months to a few years: the goal being stability during hepatitis c treatment.
