Pop-up scans for people at risk of liver disease

Residents in a Surrey town are being invited for a liver disease scan, as part of a push to provide early treatments.

People from Godalming can receive a liver health check in the Godalming Crown Court car park on Friday to see if they have the disease, which can be symptomless in the early stages.

Appointments can be booked in advance for anyone aged between 35 and 70 who has a history of a blood-borne virus, diabetes, a known or suspected fatty liver, or long-term heavy alcohol consumption.

Michael Gallagher, hepatology consultant at the Royal Surrey County Hospital, said: "Finding liver disease early gives the best chance of successful treatment."

He added: "Because liver disease often has no symptoms, many people don't know something may be wrong. That's why we bring free liver scans directly to local communities."

Appointments are available between 08:00 and 16:00 BST at a mobile scanning van which will be based in the car park.

The scan can detect signs of liver damage before symptoms appear. Liver disease is treatable and patients can make a full recovery, if it is caught early.

Scans take roughly 20 minutes and results will be available on the same day, a spokesperson for the Royal Surrey said.

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