York Hospital’s new specialised service focusing exclusively on liver disease received approval from the House of Lords at a recent event in York to celebrate its launch.

Susan, Countess of Swinton, Baroness Masham of Irton, made the special trip from the Houses of Parliament to join staff and guests from across the city at the event. The afternoon was spent with the experts discussing the new treatments available for patients with liver disease, as well as sharing future developments. 

Baroness Masham remarked on the enormous financial cost of liver disease, a condition that is increasing in the UK while it declines in the EU. She congratulated everyone involved in the “vital new service” and expressed concern that liver disease is now the third biggest killer in younger people.

The service took almost four years to set up, thanks to Consultant Hepatologist Charles Millson, who brought this particular area of expertise to York Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. 

Patrick Crowley, chief executive of the Trust, said: “Our ambition is to appoint the very best staff and harness their skills in providing services that directly benefit our patients. Thanks to Dr Millson for bringing his experience, motivation and determination to work with our commissioners to launch the service.

“It is a stunning example of collaboration between commissioners and providers who share a common goal to offer services locally wherever possible and I thank everyone for their commitment to making this happen.”

Patients with diseases of the liver including fatty liver disease, liver cirrhosis and liver cancer as well as viral hepatitis infections will be referred to the service. This means patients who would normally be referred to specialist services in Leeds and Newcastle can be treated at York and Scarborough Hospitals.

Pictured - Patrick Crowley, Chief Executive of York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Susan, Countess of Swinton, Baroness Masham of Irton, and Consultant Hepatologist Charles Millson

01 February 2016