An appeal to help support early diagnosis of liver disease for patients at The Princess Alexandra Hospital Trust (PAHT).

In the UK there are more than 10,000 deaths due to Liver disease each year. That’s more than 27 deaths a day. The number of people dying prematurely from liver disease and liver cancer has increased by almost two-thirds (64%) in the last 20 years. This is a disease which can affect anyone, and, with rising rates of alcohol consumption and obesity, an increasing number of people will be affected in the future.

Purchasing a Fibroscanner would enable a fast, painless and non-invasive examination of the patient’s liver, by scanning the stiffness of the liver and hence the degree of fibrosis. This helps clinicians to detect liver disease and related conditions quickly at the bedside. This would allow the team to start intensive monitoring and support, if required, and improve the quality of care for a high number of our local population who suffer daily from liver disease and related conditions. The alternative would be for the patient to undergo an ultrasound or CT scan or an invasive liver biopsy. There is nothing like this scanner currently being used to diagnose patients at The Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow.

To help raise funds, the gastroenterology department at PAHT are organising a black tie fundraising event. It promises to be a spectacular occasion with a three-course dining experience, disco, a ‘mocktail’ reception, together with a range of raffle prizes to be won. Taking place at The Manor of Groves Hotel, Sawbridgeworth, on Saturday 17 May, at 7pm, with tickets costing £75. Please contact claire.bent1@nhs.net to book your tickets to this fantastic event.