About us

HCV Action Ambassador Network

The HCV Action Ambassador Network is a locally-driven network of individuals working in the hepatitis C community who are committed to working to improve hepatitis C care in their region.

Each of the Ambassadors undertake activities with the aim of improving the way in which hepatitis C is addressed in that region, and highlight examples of good and innovative practice that is occurring locally.

HCV Action Ambassadors are the figureheads for our work in their region. With our support, they continue the discussions that take place at our HCV Action events and webinars, and work with relevant stakeholders to tackle any local challenges affecting hepatitis C services and strategy in their area.

Our Ambassadors come from a range of professional backgrounds, but are united in a desire to improve the lives of people with hepatitis C by promoting efforts to develop ever-more ambitious approaches to tackling the virus in their area.

The work of each Ambassador is dependent upon local issues, but generally focus on:

  • Supporting the development and efficacy of Operational Delivery Networks; highlighting issues or promoting areas and services that are working well.
  • Working with commissioners of drug services to ensure that hepatitis C testing and care is part of commissioned services.
  • Raising the profile of hepatitis C and the need for awareness and testing activities with GPs, councillors and local authorities. 

Who are the HCV Action Ambassadors?

We currently have 17 HCV Action Ambassadors from areas across the country. They are:

  • North West: Tom Bills (Hepatitis C Operational Delivery Network Manager, Greater Manchester & Eastern Cheshire ODN)
  • Midlands and North: Deanne Burch (Midlands/North Hepatitis C Elimination Coordinator, Hep C U Later)
  • Kent: Janet Catt (Nurse Consultant, Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust) 
  • East Midlands: Rob Cheetham (National Operational BBV Lead, Practice Plus Group)
  • Brighton and Sussex: Dario Diazaddy (Service Improvement Project Manager - Hepatitis C, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust)
  • London: Dr Stuart Flanagan (Consultant Physician, Central & North West London Trust) 
  • South and London: Louise Hansford (South Coordinator, Hep C U Later)
  • Cumbria: Ruth Harrington (Hepatology Clinical Nurse Specialist North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust) 
  • London: Lorna Harrison (Clinical Nurse Specialist, Hepatology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust)
  • East of England: Julie Henderson (Regional BBV Delivery Manager, Practice Plus Group)
  • London: Susan Manoharan (Blood-Borne Virus Referral Coordinator, Sexual Health Hounslow, West Middlesex Hospital)
  • Cheshire: Deborah Moores (National Hepatitis C Coordinator, Humankind)
  • Oxford: Lizi Sims (Hepatology Specialist Community Liaison Nurse, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust) 
  • Leicester: James Spear (Hepatitis C Network Manager, Leicester Operational Delivery Network) 
  • Cardiff: Delyth Tomkinson (Clinical Nurse Specialist, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board) 
  • Surrey: Romanie Westwood (Hepatology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust)
  • Birmingham: Dr Judith Yates (GP) 

If you would like to become an HCV Action Ambassador for your area, please contact hcvaction@hepctrust.org.uk for more information.