New Hep C drugs to be given to Lothian patients

HEPATITIS C patients across the Lothians will be among the first to be given the option of two revolutionary treatments.

A panel of experts gathered by Health Protection Scotland has published guidance on the drugs, which could save thousands of lives across the world if approved.

There are around 3000 people in Edinburgh known to be suffering from the infection which attacks the liver, but charities worry that there could be a similar number of undiagnosed victims.

Charles Gore, chief executive of the Hepatitis C Trust and president of the World Hepatitis Alliance, said: “These guidelines are very good news for patients and show that Scotland will continue to lead the eradication of hepatitis C.”