Hospital admissions for alcoholic liver disease across Yorkshire have risen by 20% since the pandemic, as healthcare experts work together to ease growing pressure on services
Oasis Bradford, a UKAT Group residential rehabilitation facility, has partnered with the NHS West Yorkshire Liver Care Operational Delivery Network, Community Liver Health Checks Team to launch a free Fibroscan programme for clients receiving treatment at its drug and alcohol rehab centre in Bradford.
The initiative comes in response to a growing number of deaths from alcoholic liver disease across the UK, alongside rising hospital admissions throughout Yorkshire.
Recent figures reveal a 25% increase in deaths caused by alcoholic liver disease nationwide. In 2024, there were 7,288 fatalities compared with 5,840 in 2019.
Across Yorkshire, the latest hospital admission data also shows that more people than ever before are being admitted to local hospitals with alcoholic liver disease.
Analysis by The UKAT Group of ONS data found that, prior to the pandemic, 8,148 people were admitted to NHS hospitals across the region for alcoholic liver disease in 2019/20. By 2023/24, this figure had risen by 20% to 9,816 admissions.
The free FibroScan programme launched at Oasis Bradford last week and offers liver health assessments alongside Hepatitis C testing, with results available immediately. The service will run on a monthly basis to ensure as many people entering rehabilitation in the region as possible can access these tests free of charge.
Zaheen Ahmed, Head of Treatment at The UKAT Group, which operates Oasis Bradford, said:
“This partnership is incredibly important because it not only provides our clients with access to a potentially life-saving test but also helps promote ongoing conversations about the importance of liver health.
“The majority of clients we treat at Oasis Bradford are receiving support for alcohol dependency. These individuals have already taken the brave first step towards recovery by seeking help. Understanding the condition of their liver can provide valuable insight and motivation to support long-term recovery and relapse prevention.
“We would encourage anyone who wants to know more about their liver health to have a look at the West Yorkshire Liver Care ODN website for more information about Community Liver Health Checks. www.westyorkshirelivercareodn.nhs.uk/patients/projects/community-liver-health-checks/
The liver is the only organ that can repair itself before cirrhosis develops, so there is no need to wait to gain this important information.”
To be eligible for a free liver scan, individuals must meet one or more of the following NHS criteria:
- You have previously had, or may be at risk of, Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C.
- You regularly consume more than 14 units of alcohol per week.
- You are aged 50 or over and have Type 2 diabetes.
- You are aged 50 or over and have a body mass index (BMI) above 30, or above 27 for some people depending on their ethnic background.
Information and 24/7 confidential online support from the Oasis Bradford residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation service can be found here.