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Dear Patient
In view of recent media we would like to clarify that those patients that are immunosuppressed should continue to shield. Please continue to follow government guidance regarding shielding as below.
It is an uncertain time for all of us but particularly for those of you that have liver disease or have received a liver transplant.
Currently we are recommending that all patients that are on immunosuppressive medications follow the shielding guidance. Other patients with liver disease should take precautions and follow government guidance on social distancing and hygiene precautions.
Background:
Coronaviruses are common viruses that usually present with a simple cold. With new strains, they can cause more severe disease and the most recent virus is associated with a condition called Coronavirus disease 2019. This virus is called Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome 2 virus (SARS-Cov-2). This new virus and disease were the cause of the outbreak in China starting in December 2019 and now has spread to many parts of the world.
Symptoms of COVID-19:
- Fever.
- Cough.
- Shortness of breath.
- Other flu-like symptoms.
- In some cases, patients have diarrhoea.
Some transplant patients and those patients that are immune suppressed may develop pneumonia. Currently there are no vaccines available but there is continuing research to develop these and other treatments. It is important to note that if you have these symptoms it does not mean you definitely have this infection, as many viral illnesses can cause similar symptoms. If you are unwell please contact your GP or 111 for further advice.
We are working very hard to work out the best way to monitor you and keep you as safe as possible during these difficult times.
Recommendations:
The situation continues to evolve and therefore we would suggest that you should look for up to date advice on the government webpage at: www.gov.uk
Best Wishes
South West Liver Unit
The South West Liver Unit
Welcome to the South West Liver Unit (SWLU) website
The South West Liver Unit (SWLU) was established in 2010 and is part of University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (UHPNT). This is the largest hospital trust in the South West Peninsula and is a University Teaching Hospital.
Currently the SWLU is a large Hepatology unit that provides patient focussed services to approximately 2 million people across the local and wider population of the South West region. Our team of specialists deliver hepatology, hepatobiliary surgery and liver transplantation services. The unit currently assesses patients for liver transplantation from the region and looks after their post-operative care. The SWLU has strong links with the Liver unit at Kings College Hospital London and continues to work towards becoming a liver transplant centre.
The SWLU has an active clinical research programme in association with the University of Plymouth Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry and a dynamic clinical trials program. There is an active undergraduate teaching programme and postgraduate training program, including liver National Training Number placements.
The SWLU was the first unit to register with the Improving Quality in Liver Services (IQILS) scheme and is working towards accreditation to acknowledge the high quality of care delivered by our service. Our patients are integral to our success and we are grateful to the patients that donate their time to help develop our services and encourage people to join the Patient Participation Group.
This website provides information about our facilities, services and performance. It has an evolving number of resources for patient education, links to external resources and information for our referring clinicians and partners.