Earlier liver health checks for people in Bury

A new specialist liver scanner, known as a Fibro Scan, is helping to detect the signs of liver disease in minutes rather than weeks.

The scanner, provided by Bury Council’s Public Health team, is now being used to support the early identification and prevention of liver disease across the borough.

The investment comes at an important time, as there has been a sharp rise in deaths of men under‑75 from liver disease, with Bury now the highest in the North West of England and second highest in the country.

Liver disease often develops silently, with many people unaware of the damage until it reaches an advanced stage, making prevention and early detection vital.

The Fibro Scan forms part of the new Adults Drug and Alcohol Prevention, Treatment and Recovery Service, which began in April. The Fibro Scan allows for quick, non-invasive liver health checks and helps reduce long waits for hospital appointments.

Following a successful three‑month pilot in Bury, trial clinics using a FibroScan machine showed encouraging results. Many people said that seeing their liver health results helped them better understand their health, make informed choices about alcohol use, and move towards healthier lifestyles. Several individuals were identified through the pilot who may not otherwise have accessed support or received early advice.

The Fibro Scan machine will now be used at regular clinics across the borough as part of the Achieve Bury service, increasing the opportunities for prevention, early diagnosis and positive behaviour change.

Cllr Tamoor Tariq, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Care, said:

“At the heart of this is making sure our residents can access simple, supportive healthcare close to where they live. Too often, liver disease develops quietly, and people don’t realise there’s a problem until it’s much more serious.

“By bringing this quick and accessible testing into our neighbourhoods, we’re helping people understand their health earlier and feel more confident about reaching out for support. Through Achieve Bury, we’re working with our communities to reduce stigma, offer practical help, and support people to make healthier choices in a way that works for them.”

Jon Hobday, Director of Public Health added: “One of the biggest causes of liver disease is drinking too much alcohol, but this is often affected by wider pressures in people’s lives

“Traditionally patients would often have to wait a long time for a blood test in hospital followed by waiting for the results and support services.

“The machine is portable and Achieve Bury will be holding clinics across the borough and bring support closer to local communities.”

Emma Deering, Head of Operations, Addictions Services, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust added: "We are really pleased to be able to offer FibroScan testing as part of our local service. Being able to identify signs of liver disease early, in a quick and non-invasive way and in the local community, is a huge step forward for prevention.

“It provides much quicker access to treatment before more serious liver problems can develop. Through Achieve Bury, we’re focused on making support accessible, reducing stigma, and helping residents make informed choices about their wellbeing."

Bury Council works alongside Salford and Trafford Councils to commission Achieve Bury, led by Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust and delivered in partnership with local organisations including Big Life Group, Great Places and Intuitive Thinking Skills offering joined-up support for residents.

Achieve Bury, based at Radcliffe Primary Care Centre, supports people who may be affected by alcohol or drug related harm, helping them improve their health and wellbeing and, where needed, access treatment and recovery support in a way that feels right for them.

The service takes a holistic approach, recognising that recovery is about much more than alcohol or drugs alone. It also looks at the wider factors that can impact people’s health and choices, including employment, education, housing, finances, physical health and relationships.

By focusing on understanding, early support and recovery, Achieve Bury aims to reduce stigma and help more people feel comfortable and confident accessing the support they need.

Anyone who would like to find out more about Achieve Bury or access support can visit GMMH.nhs.uk/achieve-bury or call 0161 271 0020. Advice is confidential and people can get in touch for information, reassurance or support at any time.