Plymouth Herald
Derriford Hospital has announced the launch of a new regional liver unit in Plymouth.
The South West Liver Unit, based at the hospital, brings together research, expertise and creates a focal point for charitable donations. It consists of specialist medical, surgical, nursing and research staff from Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust and the Peninsula Medical School. Staff at the unit also aim to raise awareness of liver health issues that affect people in the South West.
They have set up a new charity, the South West Liver Lifeline, which will raise funds for patient support as well as research and training in liver health issues including alcohol abuse and Hepatitis C.
Dr Matthew Cramp, Derriford Hospital consultant hepatologist and Peninsula Medical School honorary reader, said: "We're very excited about the establishment of the South West Liver Unit which consolidates the expertise that we have built up in Plymouth in treating liver disease. Patients now come to Plymouth from all over the South West for treatment, including major surgery for liver cancer and for pre- and post-liver transplant care."
He said liver services at Derriford Hospital are some of the best in the UK.
Dr Cramp added: "Our researchers are also conducting leading-edge research working on developing a vaccine for Hepatitis C as well as conducting clinical trials of the latest anti-viral treatments for Hepatitis C."
In addition to a grant of £95,000 from the Mary Kinross Charitable Trust, the research team have recently been awarded a grant from Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust to expand and continue their work.
Doha Hegazy, post-doctoral research scientist with the team, said: "Hepatitis C is a major global problem with 180 million sufferers worldwide. Our work has a real chance of identifying how some people can become protected from the disease, which in turn could lead to more effective treatments and even vaccinations."
To mark the establishment of the South West Liver Unit, staff are taking part in South West Liver Week this week.
They hope to raise awareness and highlight the work that is going on to continue improving the liver health of the South West. To find out more details or to make a donation to the South West Liver Lifeline, contact the team via nikki.aire@phnt.swest.nhs.uk or Amanda Clements at amanda.clements@phnt.swest.nhs.uk or on 01752 431320.
