What is being done and why
Nationally
NHS Community Liver Health Check Programme20
Offers mobile liver scans (Fibroscan) in community settings like GP surgeries, foodbanks, homeless shelters and football matches. The programme targets at-risk groups (alcohol misuse, viral hepatitis, NAFLD, obesity and type 2 diabetes) and does over 113,000 scans and 8,470 referrals for further liver cancer testing. Peer support workers help patient attend appointments and understand results.
UK Liver Alliance21
Works with the NHS and government to improve early detection and diagnosis; primary care fibrosis assessments; and health equity and hepatology workforce planning. The alliance advocates for policy change and submits evidence to consultations.
British Liver Trust Strategy22
Focuses on awareness and prevention; improved care and support; early diagnosis; reducing stigma; and policy advocacy and research partnerships.
All Our Health Framework23
Liver disease is the second leading cause of working life lost in England, the prevention priorities for the framework are alcohol misuse, obesity and viral hepatitis. The framework promotes early diagnosis and community outreach.
Regionally
LIVErNORTH Charity24
Based at the Freeman Hospital (Newcastle upon Tyne) the charity supports liver patients across the UK and provides free patient support, research funding, advocacy and awareness campaigns and NIHR research partnerships.
The Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, is the North East’s regional liver medicine and liver transplantation service25. The service works with dietitians, physiotherapists and substance misuse specialists.
North Tees hospital has a specialised drug and alcohol care team, who can treat, and refer onto specialist community drug and alcohol services when appropriate.
Locally
University Hospital of Hartlepool
Provides gastrointestinal and liver services as part of the North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust.