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<p>A variety of initiatives are underway in England to improve awareness and case
finding, re-engagement and linkage to care, especially in drug services, primary care,
prisons and accident and emergency centres. In addition, NHS England is funding access
to new hepatitis C treatments in accordance with guidance from the National Institute
for Health and Care Excellence.</p><p>As part of health services commissioned for
those in detained settings, NHS England has rolled out an ambitious Opt-Out Blood
Borne Viruses (BBV) testing programme. The key aim is to improve uptake rates for
hepatitis C testing by the introduction of good practice for ‘meaningful offer’ of
BBV testing across the adult prison estate. In this programme appropriately trained
staff offer prisoners a BBV testing on an opt-out basis within 72 hours of reception
in accordance with published national guidance, with referral to specialists for assessment
for treatment (which can be delivered in prison or on release). This programme has
been embedded across the secure estate from April 2018.</p><p>The creation of 22 operational
delivery networks in England to drive improvements in treatment in local areas is
intended to give all patients the access to the treatment they need regardless of
where they live.</p>
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