THE Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) was delighted to host the official ribbon cutting ceremony for its state-of-the-art fibroscanner today (Thursday 12 March).

This milestone event marks a significant advancement in its commitment to improving liver health and early detection of liver disease within its community.

The fibroscanner is currently located in the Endoscopy Department at The Princess Alexandra Hospital – it is planned to be moved to the Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) at St Margaret’s Hospital later this year. This is part of its plans to support quicker and more local access to diagnostic tests and treatment close to patients’ homes.

The ceremony brought together colleagues for the unveiling of this innovative technology. It was an opportunity for a special thank you to valued fundraisers for The Princess Alexandra Hospital Charity who have raised more than £26,000 towards the fibroscanner through popular events such as the annual Liver Ball and coffee mornings.

The appeal to buy the fibroscanner has been led by Dr Deb Ghosh, Consultant Gastroenterologist, and fundraisers Claire Bent, Lynn Hanrahan, Jacqueline Jackson and Christine Gilroy Downes. Attendees heard from clinicians about how the fibroscanner will transform liver assessments, offering a quick, painless, and non-invasive way to measure liver stiffness and detect problems earlier than ever before.
Dr Monica Bose, Divisional Director for Planned Pathways at PAHT, said: “The introduction of this innovative technology is hugely significant for our patients. It enables us to detect signs of liver disease earlier, thereby improving patient outcomes.

“With the plan to integrate this equipment with our Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) at St Margaret’s Hospital later this year, it will bring vital diagnostic services closer to patients’ homes. This technology will make a real difference in providing cutting-edge care for our community.”

Fundraisers Claire Bent, Lynn Hanrahan, Jacqueline Jackson and Christine Gilroy Downes said: “We are all thrilled that our hard work has paid off and we are excited about the positive impact this machine will have on our local community.”

Following the ribbon cutting, guests had the opportunity to learn more about how the fibroscanner works, what a patient appointment for the nurse-delivered service will involve, and how this will support clinicians to transform patient care.

PAHT thanks everyone who joined to celebrate this important development and looks forward to seeing the positive impact the fibroscanner will have for its patients and the wider community.

Pictured: Thom Lafferty, Chief Executive (second from left) and Dr Deb Ghosh, Consultant Gastroenterologist (far right) with valued fundraisers for The Princess Alexandra Hospital Charity.