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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2003 Week 6 Hansard (19 June) . . Page.. 2206 ..

clarification. They are always referred to their GP or the Hospital for medical help, testing or treatment issues.

(5) The ACT Hepatitis C Council advise that the direct operational costs of HepLine for the first month was $867 (approximately 7% of the Council's operating costs for the month).


This figure includes rental of the premises, staff time, telephone line rental and calls, photocopying, postage and office sundries such as tea, coffee and stationery. HepLine is staffed by volunteers and insurance cover has been increased to cover the number of volunteers.


This figure does not include development costs, setup costs or indirect overheads.

(6) At 30 April 2003, 3016 people had been diagnosed with Hepatitis C in the ACT. The following table shows the number of notifications each year.

Year

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

Cases

56

99

243

314

335

276

318

298

302

231

230

232

82

(7) The Government will continue with current initiatives in Hepatitis C and review the manner in which they are provided to ensure improved value and effectiveness.


The main elements of the ACT's approach to Hepatitis C include education, harm minimisation, care, support and treatment.

ACT Health will continue to direct funds to the community sector for activities (such as the education and support provided by the ACT Hepatitis C Council).

Needle and syringe programs will continue to provide injecting equipment and information about safe injecting.

The Ministerial Advisory Council on Sexual Health, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C and Related Diseases has identified Hepatitis C as a current priority and will continue to consider issues relating to the virus.

Follow-up processes with acute cases of Hepatitis C will continue. Advice is offered to individuals regarding care around blood and body fluids.

ACT Health will also consider ways to ensure people with Hepatitis C are effectively cared for in the community setting, including support from community organisations and ensuring general practitioners are adequately trained in relation to Hepatitis C issues.

Mental health-seniors

(Question No 684)

Mr Cornwell

asked the Minister for Health, upon notice:

In relation to Psycho Geriatric Care:

(1) $300,000 was provided in the 2002-03 Budget for 'psycho geriatric capacity' with increasing out year funding. How much of this funding had been expended at 30 April 2003 and what was delivered for that expenditure;

(2) In 2001 your Government's commitment for psycho geriatric care was to 'provide adequate housing and care for elderly people exhibiting challenging behaviour, often as a

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