In Western Australia (WA) there are about 20,000 people affected by HCV, with 1,200 new notifications of hepatitis C each year. The Sexual Health and
Blood Borne Virus Program, in consultation with key stakeholders, developed a Hepatitis C Action Plan 2006-2008 (Western Australian Department of Health 2006). This plan details a state wide, comprehensive public health approach to the prevention of and improved access to treatment for hepatitis C. A state wide hepatitis C model of care that incorporates the nurse practitioner role is also being developed as part of the health reform process in WA.