A Champion for Treatment, Education and Support
Lisa has been the Coordinator of Hep C Treatment, Peer Education & Support at Hepatitis SA since 2013, bringing to the role a passion for hepatitis C education and a vision of elimination in South Australia. Her journey began at Drug and Alcohol Services of SA (DASSA). Still, it's her lived experience with hepatitis C that truly shapes her work today, dispelling the myths and misconceptions that create barriers to testing and treatment.
Lisa's willingness to share her treatment experience proves invaluable to clients navigating their hepatitis C journey. "I enjoy dispelling myths about hep C transmission and treatment," Lisa says with enthusiasm. "I never cease to be amazed at what some people think." She's encountered some remarkable misconceptions—including someone who believed they were cured by sending their photograph to a person in the USA. "I do believe the human brain can do more than we know, but I highly doubt a virus can be cured by someone looking at a photo."
Caption: A creative and innovative educator. Lisa was responsible for a very successful New v Old booklet. An educational resource she dreamed up, designed and photographed.
This myth-busting is central to Lisa's educational work, helping people understand the realities of hepatitis C and access the care they need. Her colleague Jenny Grant describes her particular dedication: "Lisa is willing to go anywhere, work with any client and is absolutely dedicated to the process of the program. Lisa never skips steps and is highly organised to ensure all the paperwork, consumables and other items are there and ready to go."
But dedication doesn't mean taking things too seriously. So many things make Lisa laugh out loud, and as Jenny notes, "We do have such a good time working together. While she is very dedicated to her work, she also doesn't take things too seriously."
Caption: Lisa behind the scenes, filming community members for the 2023 Hep B quiz, a feature of the HepSA World Hepatitis Day educational material.
When asked what problem she'd like to make magically disappear, Lisa quips, "certain politicians in the world…," but adds diplomatically that it might be karmically safer to limit the magic to disappearing "poverty". It's this blend of humour and heart that makes Lisa such a valued colleague and educator.
The Power of Point of Care
HepSA was an early adopter of Point-of-Care Hep C Testing. Lisa explains that SA Health initially provided the organisation with a GeneXpert Machine, but that it was the Australian Hep C Point of Care Testing Program, and the Commonwealth funding that backs the program that truly enabled expansion, taking the pressure off by providing consumables, the cost of which quickly adds up.
Caption: Lisa and the GeneXpert
Lisa has witnessed how the GeneXpert testing has transformed access to care. "It is especially great for those who have difficulty accessing veins for blood tests," she explains. "It is such a relief for them not to have to go through that to know their Hep C status."
Her practical advice for new Point of Care Testing practitioners? Time your training strategically. "Do your training as close to commencing testing as possible. If there is a long lapse between the two, it's almost like you have to learn it all again."
Lisa's meticulous organisation extends to the most minor details—she wouldn't dream of leaving work without her portable USB fan, which plugs into her laptop USB port and keeps her cool across South Australia's varied testing locations. Jenny adds another practical tip: have clients drink water while explaining the process—it makes collecting samples significantly easier.
Caption: Generous with her time and skills, Lisa and O'liver at a community outreach event.
Lisa's hero? Her daughter, "a wonderful mum" whose resilience in overcoming challenges inspires Lisa's own compassionate and dedicated approach to her work. As Jenny reflects: "Lisa has made such a huge contribution to the Australian Hep C Point of Care Testing Program and towards hepatitis C elimination in South Australia. We are so lucky to have her working with us."