What we do

We have a screening service for all patients admitted to the QE Hospital for alcohol excess. Patients are all referred to and seen by the hospital alcohol care team and given appropriate advice and support.

We have weekly Alcohol team meetings to discuss the appropriate treatment for patients with alcohol dependence, including admission for alcohol detoxification.

We have dedicated, trained nursing staff on ward 11 to look after patients with liver disease. 

Our service also provides a gastroenterologist on cover on a weekly rota who provides timely reviews of all in patients requiring liver related opinions/decisions.  We also offer a 365 days cover for emergency endoscopies for all patients who have bleeding from the Upper GI tract.

Links 

We have close links with the Freeman Hospital liver unit. We refer our patients in need of liver transplantation to the Freeman Hospital and undertake joint follow up of pre and post liver transplant patients.

We have regular Northern Hepatology Network meetings, viral hepatitis meetings and Specialist nurse meetings. 

Community alcohol services - We have well established links with Drug and Alcohol services.  These services are represented at the Alcohol team meeting to offer seamless transition of care into the community.

Palliative care and community matrons - we have established links to provide care for patients with advanced liver disease in the community.

Viral hepatitis clinics - the liver nurse attends once a month on a Wednesday afternoon

Patient support groups

We support our patients in obtaining further information and support from a variety of patient support groups such as:

• Liver North
• British Liver Trust
• Hepatitis C Trust
• Department of Health (alcohol publications)

Our service also provides relevant patient information leaflets on the conditions highlighted below

Liver cirrhosis

• Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
• Hepatitis C
• Hepatitis B
• Haemochromatosis
• Auto Immune Hepatitis
• Alcohol