The City of Wolverhampton Council has teamed up 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 Fibro-scan clinics take place in a wide variety of community locations, businesses and within faith settings and are helping to 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 over 200 people being referred to hepatology nurses at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, ensuring timely support for those at risk of alcohol-related liver disease.
Following a series of sessions at Recovery Near You and the Duncan Street Primary Care Centre earlier this month, Fibro-scan clinics took place at Bilston Health Centre and Bilston Family Practice yesterday (Thursday 22 January), with another set for the Good Shepherd today (Friday (23 January). Meanwhile Recovery Near You set up a promotional stand during the University of Wolverhampton's Freshers’ Week event last week, as part of a wider Dry January activity aiming to raise awareness of liver health and Fibro-scanning, and to encourage conversations around alcohol use and wellbeing among students and staff.
Councillor Obaida Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, said: "These 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. The Fibro-scan is quick, non-invasive and pain-free, and provides instant results on liver condition – including identifying any issues which need addressing.
"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 who require alcohol support and those currently receiving it. Fibro-scanning is currently being delivered at selected locations, and we're looking at opportunities to expand the service to additional community settings in the near future."
