Now Recruiting GPs
Make the elimination of hepatitis C your next great achievement.
Hepatitis Queensland is currently recruiting a General Practitioner with Special Interest in Hepatitis C to work on an exciting project in Community Corrections offices at Brisbane Central, Brisbane South, and Redlands. This is a paid locum position with travel allowance included.
The opportunity – taking hep C cure to Community Corrections
Hepatitis C affects about 28 000 Queenslanders and left untreated, can lead to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. People reporting to Community Corrections have a higher prevalence of hepatitis C than the general population and may not be accessing health services regularly. Hepatitis C screening and treatment in this setting is improving health outcomes for people reporting to Community Corrections.
Hepatitis Queensland has been operating an onsite hepatitis C testing and treatment clinic at district offices in Southeast Queensland. The unique model provides a one-stop shop with access to a GP, Community Outreach Nurse with Fibroscan, and phlebotomy onsite at district offices. This model allows for regular screening for those at risk and promotes continuous, uninterrupted engagement, treatment and monitoring for people living with hepatitis C and reduces rates of DAA (direct-acting antiviral agent) treatment interruption or discontinuation.
The clinics run on Wednesdays or Thursdays once a month at each site with clinic times set anywhere between 9am to 2.30pm.
Success to date:
- We have seen over 80 clients through the project and our data shows a 25% HCV RNA prevalence rate significantly higher than the population average of 1%.
- 4 of our clients have been successfully cured with a further 16 still on treatment
- Through the support and thorough follow-up care that our Community Outreach Nurse provides, we have maintained 100% engagement with all clients on treatment.
Who we are looking for:
- A GP with special interest in hepatitis C,
- Motivated and passionate about breaking down barriers and fostering genuine connections with individuals who experience homelessness and other vulnerabilities,
- Exceptional communication skills and ability to be flexible and compassionate,
- Enjoys working in new settings and looking to broaden experience and skills,
- Can commit up to 2 days a month to support the project (funding until May 2022).
More information
If you’re interested in helping Hepatitis Queensland take hep C cure to Community Corrections, we’d love to hear from you. For more information on the opportunity get in contact with Winnie Nguyen at winnie@hepqld.asn.au or 07 3846 0020.
