Free, four-minute health checks are on offer in Scunthorpe next week to help tackle the growing problem of liver disease.
NHS Humber Health Partnership’s community liver team will be conducting drop-in liver health checks at the town’s Ironstone Centre from 9am to 6pm on Friday 31 January.
The checks are being made available as part of a two-year project, funded to the tune of £500,000*, which seeks to identify more people with liver problems through proactive screening and then begin treatment where necessary.
If caught early enough, liver damage can be reversed, but all too often, people only become aware they have liver problems when they are admitted to hospital in an emergency.
Beth Featherstone, community liver nurse specialist explains:
“People with early stage liver disease don’t always know there is a problem. Liver disease has very few signs and symptoms to tell you something may be wrong, however there are certain factors which put some people at higher risk, for example, if you have type 2 diabetes, you have a BMI of 30 or more, you have a fatty liver, Hepatitis B or C, or if you drink more than 14 units of alcohol each week.
“Patients with chronic liver disease have a higher risk of developing liver cancer too, so it’s vital we spot the disease early to give people a much broader range of treatment options and a better chance of managing the condition long-term.
“The good news is that if we catch it early, some liver damage can actually be undone, and that’s why we’re keen to see as many people as possible at this week’s event – to prevent problems worsening, and of course to reassure those whose livers are perfectly healthy!”
Visitors to the Ironstone Centre will be offered a free Liver Health Check which takes just three to four minutes to complete. Nurses conduct a ‘Fibroscan’ which uses ultrasound to detect scarring to the liver and is similar in nature to a pregnancy ultrasound scan. The Liver Health Check is quick, easy, and painless, and visitors will receive their results straight away, along with any further advice or lifestyle recommendations.
Cllr Richard Hannigan, cabinet member for adults and health at North Lincolnshire Council said:
“It is essential that we create an environment where our residents can lead healthy lives and access opportunities that could help spot the signs of health conditions early.
“An on-the-spot liver scan is not something that is currently readily available, so I would urge anyone who wants to make sure their liver is in good health to drop by the Ironstone Centre, anytime between 9am and 6pm on Friday 31 January.
“The results are instant, with professionals on hand to talk you through their findings and offer advice, guidance and tips to keep your liver in top condition.”
The Humber region is one of just 18 sites in the country to pilot the NHS Liver Health Check, based on its high levels of deprivation and poor health outcomes from liver disease.
Between 10am and 3pm, the Community Liver Team will be joined at the event by a range of local partners who can support with maintaining a healthy liver and offer general health and wellbeing advice, including:
- The British Liver Trust, raising awareness of their ‘Love your Liver Campaign,’ with resources and information about Liver Health and details of the support they offer individuals affected by liver diseases within the UK.
- North Lincolnshire Healthy Lifestyles – offering information and advice around health and wellbeing such as healthy weight, stopping smoking and also offering free blood pressure checks.
- Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance – providing information around Liver Cancer and other common cancers and sharing details of cancer champion training opportunities.
Beth continues:
“People will be very familiar with proactive screening for things like breast and cervical cancer and the NHS Lung Health Check, but until now, most people won’t even have thought about the health of their liver unless they’ve already had a problem.
“We’re encouraging everyone to prioritise their health this New Year and join us for a quick Liver Health Check; just a few minutes now could turn out to be a real life-saver.”
Free NHS Liver Health Checks are being offered on Friday 31 January at the Ironstone Centre, Teale Street, Scunthorpe between 9am and 6pm – no appointment is necessary, just call in on the day.
Visit the NHS Humber Health Partnership website to find out more about the Community Liver Health Check project.