69396 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Associate Minister of Health

69396 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Associate Minister of Health: What progress, if any, has been made in the quarter April to June 2024 toward the objective ‘Improve access to and uptake of hepatitis C testing and treatment services in prisons’ under ‘Focus area 5: Integration and access to care’ in the National Hepatitis C Action Plan?

Hon Casey Costello: I am advised that during the April to June 2024 quarter, two Corrections facilities in the Northern region were trained in point-of-care testing and Dry Blood Spot testing. It is hoped these options will result in greater uptake of testing by inmates who reportedly are often not comfortable to undertake more invasive blood testing. A national webinar with Corrections staff also took place end of May 2024. I am further advised that Te Manawa Taki region continued to offer regular clinics at Probation Service centres using the mobile hepatitis C van. This is a pilot approach working in collaboration with an HIV nurse, who also offered HIV and syphilis testing.