RPSGB report highlights impact of undiagnosed hepatitis

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB) has backed a new study highlighting the number of UK residents who are living with undiagnosed hepatitis.

Data from the society, in association with The Hepatitis C Trust, suggests there are half a million hepatitis B and C sufferers in the UK who are currently unaware of their condition.

As a result, the two organisations are calling for an expansion of testing facilities into pharmacies in order to help ensure the disease is diagnosed early enough for it to be easily treatable.

Charles Gore, chief executive of The Hepatitis C Trust, pointed to the success of a pilot scheme for pharmacy testing of viral hepatitis last year, which showed a higher diagnosis rate than comparable GP testing services.

He added: "If the pharmacy testing pilot is taken as a model and rolled out by primary care trusts and pharmacies nationally, we can stop people dying needlessly."

Earlier this month, the RPSGB announced the appointment of pharmacy expert Alex MacKinnon as its director for Scotland, commencing October 4th 2010.