Over 1,200 people participate in liver check-ups in the city

More than 1,200 individuals have undergone liver screenings through a series of temporary health clinics designed to make liver assessments easier to access. The screenings were held in local community centres, workplaces, and places of worship, including gurdwaras, mosques, Hindu temples, and a Buddhist centre in Wolverhampton.

Organisers of the initiative reported that the programme helped reduce barriers to care, allowing participants to better understand their liver health and seek treatment when necessary.

Since its launch last year, the project has resulted in nearly 200 referrals to The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, providing timely support for people at risk of alcohol-related liver disease, according to health officials.

The liver scans, which are painless and similar to an ultrasound, detect scarring and fat accumulation in the liver. Results are given immediately and can highlight early signs of conditions such as fatty liver, fibrosis, or cirrhosis.

At the pop-up clinics, healthcare professionals explain the results and offer guidance on maintaining liver health. Council cabinet member for health and wellbeing, Obaida Ahmed, emphasised the importance of culturally sensitive and accessible health initiatives in reducing stigma and encouraging proactive health management.

"Early liver damage often shows no symptoms," she noted, underlining the significance of the screenings.

The Fibro-scan used in these clinics is quick, non-invasive, and pain-free, providing instant insights into liver health and flagging any issues that require further attention.

Author: Lucas Grant