Please find attached the combined summary of the engagement process on refreshing the Ministry’s strategic policy related to viral hepatitis (Healthy Pathways Forward) that took place late 2015 and early 2016.
Between November 25, 2015 to January 20, 2016 the Ministry of Health (the Ministry), the BC Centre for Disease Control BCCDC) and the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS (BCCfE) partnered with six health authorities (First Nations, Fraser, Northern, Vancouver Coastal, Interior, and Vancouver Island Health Authority) to refresh the Ministry’s strategic policy for viral hepatitis: Healthy Pathways Forward: A Strategic and Integrated Approach to Viral Hepatitis in BC. This was done by hosting seven engagement sessions, one for each health authority and a provincial session that included organizations and partners with a provincial mandate.
The discussion and feedback was incorporated from a number of health system partners from across the Province of British Columbia, including: community organizations (including HIV and HCV), individuals with lived experience of hepatitis C, public health (including communicable disease, prevention, immunization, and medical health officers), primary and specialist care providers, including infectious disease and hepatology specialists, nurse practitioner practice, harm reduction services, mental health and substance use, provincial corrections, pharmacy, regional laboratory, First Nations Health Authority regional partners, First Nations Health, Authority regional staff, the BC Association of Friendship Centres/Metis Nation representative, Aboriginal community based organizations including Red Road and Chee Mamuk,representatives from the CEDAR project and PHSA Aboriginal program, and First Nations Health Directors Association representatives.
This document summarizes the feedback received and discussion that occurred during these engagement sessions.