- Change Grow Live’s Wirral Ways becomes the largest drug and alcohol treatment service in the UK to achieve Hepatitis C micro-elimination.
- Over the last year, 100% of people in treatment at Wirral Ways were tested for Hepatitis C, with a 97% cure rate among people treated. These figures are amongst the highest in the country.
- Local success supports NHS England’s goal to eliminate hepatitis C by 2025, targeting high-risk groups like people who use drugs.
Wirral Ways, part of the national health and social care charity Change Grow Live, has officially become the largest drug and alcohol treatment service in the UK to achieve Hepatitis C micro-elimination — a major milestone in the national effort to eliminate the virus entirely.
This achievement signals a transformational shift in local public health, made possible through years of sustained outreach, testing, and treatment. Micro-elimination means the service has reached a point where virtually everyone at risk of Hepatitis C has been tested, diagnosed, and supported into treatment. It is a powerful step towards the national and global goal of completely eliminating the virus as a public health concern.
Gerry Pangalis, Service Manager at Wirral Ways, said: “This isn’t just a target ticked off — it’s hundreds of lives changed for the better. People who were living with uncertainty and fear now have a fresh start. We’re proud of our team, and even prouder of the people who trusted us to support them.”
At Wirral Ways, testing and treatment have been embedded throughout the service. Every person starting treatment for drug or alcohol use is routinely offered a Hepatitis C test, and staff proactively follow up with those at risk. Clinical and outreach teams work closely together to support people through every step of the process — from testing and diagnosis to treatment initiation and completion.
As a result, Wirral Ways has delivered:
- · 100% testing offered to people in treatment
- · Over 94% of at-risk people tested in the past year
- · 95.2% of Hep C-positive individuals supported to start treatment
- · 97% cure rate among people treated through the service
These figures are among the best in the country and exceed the national criteria set out by NHS England for achieving micro-elimination within a drug and alcohol service.
Clint Holden, Opiate Performance, Hep C and Buvidal Project Manager, added: “Micro-elimination means no one is left behind. Every person tested and treated is a step closer to a future without Hep C. We’ve shown it’s possible to achieve this — even in large, complex services — if you work with people, not just for them.”
The success is also rooted in powerful partnerships. Wirral Ways worked closely with clinicians at Arrowe Park Hospital, The Royal Liverpool University Hospital, The Hepatitis C Trust, and Gilead Sciences to coordinate care and overcome barriers that might prevent people from accessing treatment — including stigma, housing issues, mental health, or previous negative experiences with healthcare. The result is a truly joined-up model that places people at the centre of their care.
This local achievement reflects broader national priorities. NHS England’s Hepatitis C Elimination Programme is committed to eliminating the virus in England by 2025, five years ahead of the World Health Organisation’s global target of 2030. Micro-elimination in high-risk populations — such as people who use drugs — is a critical part of that strategy.
Sharon Matthews, Hepatology Specialist Nurse embedded within the service, said: “The treatments are simple and effective — a cure really is possible. This result shows how we can reach even the most marginalised communities when we offer healthcare with empathy, respect, and flexibility.”
Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus most commonly spread through the sharing of injecting equipment, making people who inject drugs particularly vulnerable. Drug and alcohol services play a vital role in tackling the virus — they are often the first point of contact for people at highest risk, providing access to testing, support, and life-saving treatment. By embedding Hepatitis C care into everyday recovery work, services like Wirral Ways are uniquely placed to stop transmission, reach underserved communities, and contribute directly to national elimination goals.
Until recent years, Hepatitis C treatments were long, complex, and often had difficult side effects. But with the arrival of highly effective direct-acting antiviral medications, treatment is now simpler, shorter, and more successful than ever. A full cure is possible in as little as eight to twelve weeks — with minimal disruption to people’s lives.
Despite reaching this milestone, Wirral Ways is continuing its work to ensure everyone has access to testing and treatment, and no one is missed. Services remain open, welcoming, and free to anyone concerned about Hepatitis C, drug or alcohol use, or related health issues.
Tegan, Health Care Assistant, completing a Blood Spot Hep C test.
Sharon (Wirral Hepatology Specialist Nurse based within Wirral Ways) joined by Jayne and Alistair from the Liverpool Royal Hospital with the Fibroscan Bus providing Liver Scans and Hep C testing.
