A HARD-WORKING community group in Malmesbury has donated £10,000 towards an important appeal at the Great Western Hospital.

Malmesbury League of Friends has made the donation towards the Brighter Futures appeal to purchase a new Fibroscan machine for the benefit of patients at the hospital who have liver disease or are in danger of developing it.

The Fibroscan can assess the degree of liver damage with a non-invasive test which is painless, quick and easy to administer.

It replaces the need for an invasive liver biopsy and allows the hepatology unit at Great Western Hospital in Swindon to instigate a treatment plan promptly.

In the next few years, liver disease is expected to overtake heart disease as the biggest cause of premature death and is already the largest cause of premature death among 35-49 year olds in the UK. More than 90 percent of liver disease is due to three main factors: obesity, alcohol and viral hepatitis.

Malmesbury League of Friends chairman David Hide said: “ We know that liver disease is increasing, so we are delighted to support this appeal to acquire a Fibroscan which will make diagnosis so much quicker and easier.”

Dr Moby Joseph, the consultant who heads the specialist liver unit at Great Western Hospital, said:” This Fibroscan will make a huge difference to the diagnosis of liver disease.

“We have over 500 patients currently receiving treatment at Great Western Hospital.”

The Malmesbury League of Friends primarily provides funds to help people with specific medical needs, which are not available from other sources.

In particular, it provides badly needed equipment for use by staff and patients at the Malmesbury Primary Care Centre and the Sherston Tolsey surgery, welfare and other associated equipment for the Athelstan House Care Home and assistance for members of the community.

For more information, visit mlof.co.uk