I had to see a local doc last Sunday at the medical centre and asked her if she has been treated any hep c patients, she replied no and that they can’t. I explained that they she can start writing scripts as long as they have the appropriate blood tests, she told me I was wrong and only specialists could. We went to and fro on the subject for a while with her ending up bristling as her lack of understanding of the subject became more obvious. I finished by saying they probably should go through their files and start writing to all their patients with Hep c and initiating treatment as they will have plenty out here in Western Sydney.

Tact was never a strong point for me.

Attended my clinic today, I attend in the pm rather than the main clinic in the mornings so wasn’t able to witness that but it was very obvious that changes have occurred. The upbeat feel I got from the staff was palpable, they are obviously thrilled to be able to offer DAAs to their patients. Without telling tales out of school, I have a feeling that triage is not occurring and several dozen scripts are being written weekly as required. Obviously there is a backlog of previously warehoused patients but certainly the indications I got were that that this is being worked through as quickly and smoothly as possible. I also heard from someone else this week that they had reliable information that their NSW clinic was supplying at least 20 scripts per week. So it seems there is some good news on the PBS initiative at the moment and hopefully that will flow through all clinics as any kinks get ironed out and it will become a ongoing process with GP support as well.

Take a deep breath….
So I went to Monash today for my check in being a loyal clinic bench warmer as I am, and report the “vibe” as I promised.
Firstly it was busier than usual but that may mean anything like more people trying to get meds or more referal patients coming through because the mood was not high. I waited an hour plus for five minutes tops which was interrupted by the receptionist and then the nurse who announced that the specialist was needed for the next patient thanks.
So I didn’t really get a lot of time to feel it out. I talked to a few patients one had a trial last round and has been clear since, another lady was upset about her feeling quite sick she was on PBS 24 weeks sof/dac plus a lot of riba. 3 in the morning ouch. I’m not really sure that many were on tx it seems that still patients are being pushed back just listening to appointment scheduling as I sat for the hour waiting. But as I point out, it was busier, which can only be a good thing, it clearly meant more are seeking treatment.
It’s a tiny clinic area too and tucked away in the bowels of the hospital pardon the gastro reference haha.
Anyway that is my update re SE Melb public hosp.
Seems busy that’s a good sign that’s the main thing.
Cheers
Ariel