Viral Hepatitis/Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C

 
During the COVID-19 situation we are adopting social distancing measures to keep our patients and staff safe. To support this, we are introducing alternatives to face to face consultations. These consultations are bound by our standard privacy requirements and will provide the same quality care for you, but will be facilitated over the phone or via video. Face to face consultations are still available when needed. Please call the clinic on the numbers below for more information and help.

Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are two of the viruses that can cause inflammation of the liver. Both Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are spread through contact with infected blood. Activities such as sharing injecting equipment, unsterile tattooing and body piercing or unsterile medical procedures may put you at risk of contracting Hepatitis C or Hepatitis B. Hepatitis B is also present in body fluids and can be transmitted via sexual contact.

Vaccination against Hepatitis B is available.

There is no vaccination to prevent Hepatitis C, however there are ways to prevent exposure as well as to prevent the spread of hepatitis to others. An estimated 280,000 people in Australia have contracted Hepatitis C.

If you are living with Hepatitis B or C, it is important to know that there are effective treatments available for most types of these viruses. In addition to this, there are a range of lifestyle choices that will help you cope better with hepatitis.

The HARP unit provides a range of fixed and outreach viral hepatitis services to the community. Services provided include:

  • Information and education about Hepatitis A, B and C prevention, management and treatment
  • Testing and treatment for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C
  • Monthly support groups in some locations
  • Hepatitis B and A vaccination for defined target groups

All services are confidential. Medicare card may be required for specialist services.

Hepatitis testing is also available from sexual health services, Aboriginal Medical Service or GPs.

 

Local services available at these locations:

Lismore Liver Clinic
(02) 6620 7539

Level 3, 29 Molesworth Street, Lismore
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

All appointments for Byron Bay, Casino and Tweed Heads Clinics need to be made by telephone in advance.

Byron Bay
Byron Central Hospital
54 Ewingsdale Rd, Ewingsdale NSW 2481
Casino
70B Canterbury St, Casino NSW 2470
Tweed Heads
Lvl1, 145 Wharf Street, Tweed Heads
To make an appointment please call: (02) 6620 7539
 

For more information:

Call the Hep C Helpline 1800 803 990

Australasian Society for HIV Medicine (ASHM) provides a range of hepatitis related information for healthcare workers including: