Jean Flanagan, Hepatitis C liaison nurse, finds her job very satisfying when she sees tangible results
The first appointed Hepatitis C liaison nurse in the country, Jean Flanagan, works for HSE Northern Area Addiction Services based in Phibsboro Tower, with patients drawn from 19 addiction treatment clinics in the north city.
She liaises with colleagues in Beaumont and Mater hospitals, and her work includes educational workshops for colleagues and patients, advocacy and research. The 39-hour week is, she says, extremely busy.
Her appointment arose from concern at the rise in Hepatitis C. Up to seven out of 10 of the 1,800 methadone users attending clinics in north Dublin may be affected. The blood-borne infection occurs through sharing IV needles and drug-snorting equipment. There may be links with unsterile tattooing tools, while the 1,600 people nationally who contracted the disease through State-
administered blood services may comprise 5 per cent of those with the disease.
"The thing about Hep C is that many people don't recognise they have it in the first place. Symptoms are hard to identify, varying from chronic tiredness to flu-like symptoms, headaches, appetite loss; it can be all very vague. If Hepatitis C is diagnosed, I would see the patient, give information about the condition, health advice to keep them on track while developing a referral pathway," says Flanagan.
"The important thing about the cohort is they may be in difficult social circumstances regarding housing and family support.
"I would meet family members to help the patient disclose the illness to them or to their partner, and try to provide support for all. Usually, families respond in a very positive way, and the diagnosis can, in fact, be a way to heal relationships.
"If, after all the tests, the specialist believes the patient would benefit from treatment, we set up a shared care system with the hospital, enabling patients to receive treatment and blood screenings with us. The treatment is difficult because it is by injection with side effects similar to heroin withdrawal.
"I set up a care team for the patient, comprising their key worker, nurses, GPs, pharmacists with counsellors available to patient and family."
Undiagnosed Hepatitis C can lead to severe liver complications. But caught in time it can, says Flanagan, be cleared from the body, and, depending on the virus strain, up to seven out of 10 patients can have a good outcome.
"It's very satisfying when you can see tangible results over time - people taking control of their health," she says.
She is involved in promoting a national awareness campaign, Hepatitis C - You have options, to encourage people to become more knowledgeable about the condition and, if they feel that they may be at risk, to see their GP.
Campaign information from 01-4736615 or www.hepinfo.ie
In conversation with Anne Dempsey