This inquiry was self-referred on 1 May 1997.
In May 1997 the Minister for Health, the Hon Dr Andrew Refshauge, asked the
Standing Committee on Social Issues to inquire into, and report on, the
incidence and impact of Hepatitis C (HCV) in New South Wales. The Terms of
Reference sent to the Committee specifically asked it to examine:
the social and economic impact of Hepatitis C in NSW and the implications for
future policy and funding of health and community services;
the extent of the disease and its aetiology and epidemiology;
the adequacy of policies, and diagnostic and treatment services with particular
attention to strategies for prevention, given current health budget constraints;
the groups and individuals in the community at increased risk of infection;
the extent of the infection in specific population groups at risk, and the
adequacy of education/prevention and care and treatment services available to
them; and
the risks involved for health care workers and the adequacy of policies and
procedures on occupational health and safety.