Surrey Liver Health checks

Surrey Liver Health Checks

The community liver health checks programme (CLHC) in Surrey is one of 16 pilots funded by NHS England. The CLHC programme aims to screen at risk populations for liver disease. People diagnosed with significant fibrosis or scarring of the liver are referred directly to liver cancer surveillance pathways the aim being early detection of the commonest form of primary liver cancer (hepatocellular cancer) at a curable or treatable stage.

Liver disease has no symptoms in the early stages, and 90% of liver disease is preventable. However, three quarters of those with liver disease are diagnosed at a late stage by which time the opportunity for treatment and intervention may be limited.

The Surrey Liver Health Check aims to find ways to diagnose significant liver disease in at risk people with no symptoms and to ensure people with the initial stages of significant liver disease are diagnosed earlier and offered specialist care. They can then make lifestyle changes to improve their liver function and receive ongoing specialist liver clinic management.

How a Liver Health Check works

You will be offered a simple non-invasive test called a fibro scan which will be undertaken by a trained nurse. It takes approximately 10 to 20 minutes.

A fibro scan is a special type of ultrasound that can measure the degree of inflammation and or scarring in your liver. It is a simple, painless test that uses high frequency sound waves.

Who is eligible for a Liver Health Check?

The pilot focuses on people aged 35 - 70 who may be at increased risk of liver disease (scarring or fibrosis) based upon their history.

You can book an online appointment if you are between 35 and 70 and fit one or more of the following eligibility criteria:

You have current or past history of blood borne virus (Hep B or Hep C).
You have Diabetes or are Pre-diabetic.
You have known or suspected fatty liver.
You have consistently used alcohol at in excess of national recommended safe limits for many years (equivalent to 6 pints of beer or cider, or 1.5 bottles of wine a week).

How to book a Liver health check

If you live in Guildford, you can book your appointment at the Willow Health. The address is: Willow Health, 4 Paris, Parklands, Guildford, GU2 9JX.

Book your appointment at Willow Health

If you live in Godalming, you can book your appointment at The Mill Practice. The address is The Mill Medical Practice, Catteshall Mill, Catteshall Rd, Godalming GU7 1JW.

Book your appointment at The Mill Practice

Further testing

Most Liver health checks will show that you do not need further tests, but the appointment provides an opportunity to discuss liver health and any lifestyle changes which may protect your liver for the future.

Some people will require further tests, and if this is the case this will be explained to you, and you will be offered referral to a hospital liver clinic.

Further tests will include an ultrasound to examine the size and shape of your liver (usually performed in hospital), and blood tests may be needed to further investigate your liver health and any potential contributing factors.

What happens to the results of the Liver Health Check?

You will receive a written record of the scan result at the time of the fibro scan. This information will also be shared with your GP, and for participants accessing the liver health checks programme via secondary care the results will be filed in your hospital record.