Scottish Hepatitis C Stakeholder's Conference
The first annual Scottish Hepatitis C Stakeholder's Conference took place in Perth on October 1st 2009. Over 70 delegates attended the event, which was organised to provide a stimulating and interactive programme of events for people affected by hepatitis C in Scotland.
The Conference was chaired by Patricia Brown (pictured left), the Resource Centre's Service User Champion, who will play a key role in ensuring that the Resource Centre engages fully with service users and their concerns. The Conference got off to an energetic and fun start with the incomparable Margaret McCathie (pictured right) Laughter isn't often something you hear at 
conferences, but as a laughter therapist, Margaret helped maintain energy and focus throughout the day and was a major part of the success of the conference.
The initial session allowed a number of participants to relate their own stories about living with hepatitis C - how they had tackled the issues, got through treatment and where their lives were now. This is always one of the most emotional parts of a conference and it is amazing to see the strength from people who have graciously agreed to tell their stories and the hope that it gives to those who listen.
Dr John Dillon followed with a presentation based on current and emerging treatments, including post treatment and longer term recovery. The follow-up Q&A provided for lively discussion about the issues raised.
After a delicious lunch provided by the Queens Hotel, a series of interactive workshops kicked off the afternoon session. The topics were chosen after careful consultation with service users at the conference design stage. The workshops themes were;
- Fran Wilson - hep C and family relationships;
- Moira Washington - issues around disclosing your viral status;
- Alasdair Watt - nutrition, your liver and your money
Dr Alex Baldicchino (pictured) had been asked to deliver a talk around mental health issues, and his ideas of personal resilience received a lot of attention and questions from the conference attendees, many of whom felt that not enough credence is given to poor mental health.
It is hoped that this will be the first in a series of annual Scottish hep c patient conferences. In addition to a stimulating programme, the event provided the opportunity to announce the imminent arrival of our planned Scottish hep c patient forum, a further indication of our commitment to working for the collective good of people affected by hep C in Scotland.
Please visit the Patient Forum website for more information on how you can get involved.
To view speaker presentations, please click on their name.