Since March 2020, the Leeds Viral Hepatitis team have undertaken 75 home visits. During this period the team has worked closely with the Hepatitis C Trust Peers, who have supported the team and accompanied them on the visits to patients’ homes and delivered medication to patients when required.

Of the 75 visits undertaken, 40 were post treatment blood tests (many of these patients had previously DNA’d an appointment for this test) and some visits were patient assessments for those not able to have their blood tests taken locally at their GP surgery or hospital phlebotomy service.  Whilst visiting known patients to test, the team also engaged with other individuals by chance, who said they were Hepatitis C positive and needed treatment.

The team also managed to locate and visit a number of patients who had been treated in prison, released and then lost to follow up. This was achieved by liaising with local Drug Service teams, GP surgeries and accessing the LTHT/NHS spine records.

Home visits have been well received, and we ensured that both the Peers and the nursing team had the appropriate PPE to remain safe at all times. Very often our patient group do not intend to miss their appointments but life circumstances (such as not having money for bus fare or issues with childcare) get in the way. They may not have phone credit or have the confidence to ring and explain why they can’t attend their appointment.

Jenny & Peer Support Worker Sheila out on a home visit

Looking to the future, we plan to continue providing home visits alongside clinics.






Jenny Lee
CLINICAL NURSE SPECIALIST
Viral Hepatitis Team LTHT