The City of Wolverhampton Council is working with Recovery Near You and the Service User Involvement Team to host a series of Fibro-scan clinics, bringing non-invasive liver health screening directly into the local community.
Fibro-scans are a quick, painless test similar to an ultrasound which check for scarring and fat build-up in the liver. These are early indicators of conditions such as fatty liver, fibrosis, or cirrhosis. Results are provided instantly, with healthcare professionals on hand to explain findings and offer advice on next steps.
Launched in 2024, the clinics take place in a wide variety of community locations, businesses and within faith settings, helping break down barriers to accessing treatment services and enabling residents to take control of their liver health.
Around 1,500 Fibro-scans have so far been completed, with approximately 200 people referred to hepatology nurses at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, ensuring timely support for those at risk of alcohol-related liver disease.
And the success of the programme has been recognised after it was shortlisted in the Public and Population Health category at this year's LGC Awards.
Councillor Obaida Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, said: "The community Fibro-scan clinics are a fantastic example of how we are working with partners to bring healthcare into familiar, welcoming spaces.
“Early liver damage often presents no symptoms, and the clinics have proved highly effective in engaging people who would not typically interact with health and treatment services.
"By teaming up with Recovery Near You and the Service User Improvement Team, and working alongside lived experience volunteers, businesses and community organisations, we're helping to bridge the gap between the number of people needing alcohol support and those receiving it.
"We have seen the impact it has had locally, with around 200 people referred for support to improve their liver health so far, and I am very proud that the work of everyone involved has been recognised by judges at the LGC Awards."
Thanks to the council's track record of managing its money well, combined with a positive financial settlement from Government, it has been able to invest in initiatives like this, and in other priority areas for the city's residents.
Now in its 30th year, the LGC Awards recognise excellence across local government. The winners will be announced at a ceremony on Wednesday 10 June at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel in London.
