CHRONIC liver disease is the UK’s fifth biggest killer and early detection can improve medical care and management.

Now, thanks to the portable ‘Fibroscanner’ device, mobile outreach clinics can be conducted in the community – like the drop-in screening session held recently at the Urban Gym in Christchurch.

Hosted by Chartered Physiotherapist Manoj Patel of Urban Health and Fitness, the session saw 40 people scanned and a very small number found to have scarring changes which required further assessment.

Consultant Nurse Specialist in Hepatology Hazel Allen said: “The morning proved to be a huge success with an amazing response - there were 40 people waiting for a scan at 9.30am!”

All those attending were given advice and an information leaflet about how to keep their liver healthy.

The scanner was purchased using a donation from Christchurch Rotary Club and provides a quick and simple, painless and non-invasive way of checking for liver fibrosis or scarring which can be caused by viral hepatitis, excess alcohol, fatty liver disease and immune system disorders.