The West Yorkshire Liver Care Operational Delivery Network (WYLCODN) held its latest meeting this week, bringing together stakeholders for a face-to-face event in Leeds. The day provided a fantastic opportunity for colleagues from across West Yorkshire to network, share insights, and celebrate a remarkable achievement.
A highlight of the day was a special recognition event to celebrate Forward Leeds reaching micro elimination of hepatitis C in the service, a milestone demonstrating years of dedication and partnership working.
To mark this occasion, Anne-Marie McMullan and Debbie Moores shared an inspiring presentation outlining the journey to elimination. Attendees watched the video ‘Don’t Live in Doubt – Treatment for Hepatitis C in Leeds’, which was a patients story from the early days of Forward Leeds hepatitis C journey. This was followed by a moving film featuring Hep C Champions reflecting on what micro-elimination has meant to them and the people they support.
John Fox, Programme Manager from the Hepatitis C Trust, delivered a presentation highlighting the strong collaboration between the Hepatitis C Trust, Forward Leeds and the ODN – partnership working that has been key to this success.
To honour the contributions of those involved, trophies were presented to recognise individuals and teams who played a pivotal role in achieving micro-elimination.
Following the Forward Leeds recognition session delegates enjoyed a relaxed afternoon tea, kindly sponsored by Gilead Sciences, providing more time to connect and share experiences with colleagues from across the region.
The evening session followed the usual format, with updates from Dr Mark Aldersley, Consultant Hepatologist, and Diane Williams, ODN Network Manager, on the latest developments and future plans.
Further presentations included an overview by Carol Williams-Powell, Peer Support Lead, who spoke about her work supporting patients and helping them overcome anxieties around treatment.
Finally, Dr Mark Astill, the ODN’s new GP Champion, introduced himself and shared how he plans to support the network in his new role.
It was a day full of learning, reflection, and celebration – a reminder of what can be achieved when partners come together to improve care and change lives.