Written question asked by Roger Gale (Conservative) on Tuesday, 13 December 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 19 December 2005. It was answered by Caroline Flint (Labour) on Monday, 19 December 2005 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Hepatitis C

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps she is taking to promote testing for hepatitis C; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: The Department has published information and guidance for health professionals and for the public, highlighting those considered to be at risk of hepatitis C infection and who should consider being tested, or should be offered testing, for hepatitis C infection. This forms part of the hepatitis C awareness campaign and there is currently a continuing programme to raise awareness of hepatitis C among the public and those groups at risk.In addition, a new national health service hepatitis C awareness website was launched and has been published at www.hepc.nhs.uk and a new national hepatitis C freephone information line at 0800 451451.

Secondary information