South West Liver Unit Official Opening
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 by University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust.
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. 
Ms Healy said: "We are delighted to see the incredible work taking place at the liver unit at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth. With the rising prevalence of liver disease across the UK, it is crucial that those diagnosed have access to high-quality specialist care. This enhanced facility will not only offer advanced services but also play a vital role in early testing and diagnosis, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes."
Professor Matthew Cramp, Consultant Hepatologist at UHP said: “We’re delighted to welcome patients to share their experiences as part of today’s event and underline the importance of patient focused outstanding care for people with liver disease.
“We’re really proud of the new unit and the work done by all of our teams to get it completed and looking so fantastic. We’re delighted to have moved in and staff are enjoying working in the new space.
The unit has 23 beds and will also look after patients before and after liver transplants. Staff in the unit have been involved in designing the new environment to make it feel less clinical. They have chosen colour themes to create a restful and mindful environment, been involved in the equipment used, and overhead lighting with nature themes have been installed. The unit has a new quiet room to facilitate a compassionate space for difficult conversations for patients and their families.
Liver disease is the only major disease where death rates are rising. Death rates from liver disease are 4 times higher than they were in 1970. Other major non-communicable diseases such as heart disease and lung conditions have seen a fall in death rates over the same period. Over 9,000 people were admitted to hospital due to liver disease in the South West in 2022/23 and tragically, there were 959 premature deaths from liver disease in 2022.
Sadly, stigma stops almost 1 in 3 people from seeking medical care, which can hamper access to earlier detection, treatment and care.
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.
