Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the opening of the South West Liver Unit at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Derriford.
Patients with liver disease will be treated in a brand new state-of-the-art space thanks to the refurbishment of the South West Liver Unit. This new unit is located in the space created when the Royal Eye Infirmary moved into its new building on the site of the former Seaton Barracks, just across the road.
Celebrating the official opening on 21 August, the Trust welcomed the Chief Executive of the British Liver Trust, Pamela Healy OBE to cut the ribbon to the new unit.
It was wonderful to hear the stories of those who work at the Unit and those who have been patients over the years. One such patient was Freddie from the South Hams. He benefited from community testing in the car park of Yealm Medical Centre and raves about the 'man with a van' who carried out his liver screening. Without this screening, issues with his liver may not have been picked up in time for treatment.
90% of liver disease is preventable with the main causes of liver disease being obesity, an undiagnosed hepatitis infection and alcohol misuse. You can reduce your risk of liver disease with some simple lifestyle changes such as trying to maintain a healthy weight and not drinking too much alcohol. Learn more on the NHS website.
The British Liver Trust's 'Love Your Liver' campaign focuses on three simple steps for liver health:
· Drink within recommended limits and have three consecutive days off alcohol every week
· Cut down on sugar, carbohydrates, and fat, and take more exercise
· Know the risk factors for viral hepatitis and get tested or vaccinated if at risk
You can find out if you are at risk and check your liver health online by doing the online screening test.
If I can assist constituents with a health-related casework matter, please do contact me:
email: [email protected]
tel: 01752 335 666
