January is ‘Love Your Liver’ awareness month and we’re proud to announce that DCDT has donated a Fibroscanner to Doncaster Royal Infirmary.

The £92,000 Fibroscanner enables hospital staff to diagnose liver disease in a non-invasive, painless scan that takes less than ten minutes. It’s estimated that up to 55,000 patients in Doncaster will benefit from a Fibroscan.

Yvonne Woodcock (DCDT), Andy Collins and Joanne Pickersgill (Doncaster Alcohol Alliance), Dr Anu Agrawal (DRI) and Jane Nadine (DCDT)

Over the years, the rates of chronic liver disease in the UK have risen dramatically, and it is now one of the leading causes of death in people under the age of 65. The main causes of liver disease relate to a combination of risks, including diabetes, high cholesterol, increased weight, alcohol and viruses.

Chronic liver disease is often silent, underdiagnosed and diagnosed at a late stage. There are several life-threatening complications linked to liver disease and one of them is a risk of developing liver cancer. The newly donated Fibroscanner will support early diagnosis of liver diseases and reduce the risk of patients developing liver cancer.

Dr Anu Agrawal, Divisional Director of Medicine at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals said:

We are so thankful to Doncaster Cancer Detection Trust. Their donation will make a real difference in improving patient outcomes and saving lives in Doncaster.

The donation of the mobile scanner also includes funding a training package for four hospital staff. This investment in expertise ensures that the technology will be used to its full potential, now and in the future.