A Norfolk group has addressed the mounting issue of rising liver disease rates.

The Norfolk and Norwich Liver Group's recent meeting at Macs Bar, St Johns Roman Catholic Cathedral, Norwich, on June 3 featured a talk by Dr Martin Phillips, senior consultant, Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

Dr Phillips acknowledged an alarming rise in liver disease, driven mainly by increased obesity, diabetes, and alcohol consumption.

The condition, described as a silent killer, adversely affects other organs due to the pivotal role of the liver, necessitating proper patient care.

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Reiterating the importance of specialised care, Dr Phillips commended Liver Specialist nurses, Georgi Welton and Jenna Stanley, for their role in taking the pressure off doctors.

Meanwhile, Covid-induced telephone consultations have been somewhat beneficial, offering wider patient contact.

Dr Phillips also acknowledged the Liver Group's contribution towards acquiring three expensive yet crucial fibroscans, instrumental in early liver disease detection.

Patient admission was improved, with fewer ambulance waiting times, though access to oxygen remains an issue. 

Norfolk and Norwich Liver Group chairman Bill Dingle gave a vote of thanks stating that the Gastro Department is very highly regarded and many liver patients have been helped. 

He went on to say that part of the function of the Norfolk and Norwich Liver Group is to educate, and support people as much as they can with regard to having a healthy diet.  There are more than 100 different liver diseases, many not caused by alcohol.