Hepatitis C virus: its prevalence, implications and management.

The estimated prevalence of hepatitis C in the UK is alarming. Many people are unaware of their condition and the associated implications of the disease. The aims of this article are to provide an evidence-based update on the implications of being HCV positive and the role of the hepatitis nurse specialist in the management of patients with this virus. This article also reviews the service offered to patients with hepatitis by the Chelsea and Westminster Healthcare NHS Trust.