West Yorkshire Liver Care Operational Delivery Network (ODN) Community Liver Health Checks
Loading...
All Authors
Williams, Diane
Pitchforth, Sarah
LTHT Author
Williams, Diane
Pitchforth, Sarah
Pitchforth, Sarah
LTHT Department
Hepatology
West Yorkshire Liver Care Operational Delivery Network
West Yorkshire Liver Care Operational Delivery Network
Non Medic
Publication Date
2025
Item Type
Conference Abstract
Language
Subject
Subject Headings
Abstract
As part of an NHS England pilot, community liver health checks were introduced to West Yorkshire. At the start people came to events and mentioned their waiting list experience for a fibroscan at hospital. From this information a delay in secondary care services was identified.
• The admin team at St James Hospital identified patients referred from primary care waiting for a fibroscan.
• Appointments were offered to this patients on the mobile clinic at locations in the community
• This reduced the people on the waiting-list at St James’ Hospital referred by their GP
• The admin hepatology team identified patients and planned them by the longest wait first.
• A clinic code was set up for the mobile clinic and community locations identified.
• Patients were given a contact number if the location wasn’t suitable an alternative could be booked.
• A clear pathway was identified. Positive scans were referred to a consultant in secondary care and those with a negative scan were given lifestyle advise and discharged.
• More information is available for patients at the ODN website.
This resulted in:
• 1938 patients referred by their GP to the mobile clinic.
• 669 patients were referred, 1269 patients discharged without needing an appointment in secondary care.
• GPs received a letter for all patients seen by the service to place on the patients care records.
• In 18 months, the waiting list at St James has reduced from over 800 patients to 204 and from a 20 week-wait to 3 weeks before a patient will then see a consultant
• Changing the patient pathway has saved £291,870 for the NHS using the mobile clinic vehicle.
The initiative’s success has enable this pathway to be rolled out to other Trusts.
Using a mobile clinic is an effective way to provide care into the community and reduce secondary care waiting lists.