3,000 PEOPLE across the South West have received potentially lifesaving liver screenings thanks to a scheme put forward by the University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW).

The initiative, called Alright My Liver?, is a NHS screening service for people living in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. It is led by Bristol and Severn Hepatitis C Operational Delivery Network in collaboration with UHBW and Southwest Cancer Alliance Group (SWAG). 

Over 200 people screened since the pilot launched in July 2022 have been invited for a follow-up appointment for assessment, advice or treatment.

Helen Coombs received a screening in November 2022 at a drop-in event in Easton.

It was found that she had liver disease, which was caught early thanks to the FibroScan screening. 

The UHBW team supported her to make healthy lifestyle changes to improve her health and help maintain the condition of her liver. 

Helen said: “I was surprised. The doctors and nurses explained my diagnosis really well. I’m now trying to eat more healthy and keep up the swimming.

"I would advise anyone who was worried about their liver health or at risk to get a scan and seek advice.”

The main causes of liver disease are type 2 diabetes, obesity, viral hepatitis and alcohol excess. Liver disease increases the risk of various complications including liver cancer.

Jane Gitahi, UHBW’s Community Matron and Bristol and Severn ODN lead nurse, said: “Liver disease causes 10,000 deaths in the UK, every year. However, most members of the public have no idea they are at risk of liver disease, or cancer. 

“People with liver disease tend to show symptoms when a liver is already damaged and scarred, which can lead to serious and possibly life threatening complications. 

“Liver screening helps us detect any issues in early stages. An Initial FibroScan is an instant, painless measure of liver stiffness.

"Your screening appointment takes 5-15 minutes in total and if we find a problem, we will assess you in clinic.”

The project has been extended until 2024, and therefore there will be plans in place to carry out the 1-year repeat FibroScans for people screened by the service and found to have ARLD fibrosis. 

This will also be planned for patients screened this year, which will be made clear in the results letters going forward.