A TALK on liver disease is taking place to raise awareness ahead of Christmas when residents are vulnerable.

The free talk at Fairfield General Hospital, in Bury, will include information about the types of liver disease as well as services available to patients.

One of the aims of the talk on Wednesday, December 13, is to raise awareness about lifestyle changes which could reduce risks.

Despite wide belief that liver disease is only caused by excessive alcohol consumption, a total of 33 per cent of the UK population are known to have liver disease that is not associated with alcohol.

Gastroenterology Nurse Specialist, Lynne Kendrick, who will be giving the talk, said: “Liver disease is the third most common preventative cause of death in the UK.

“More than two million people are affected with thousands more unaware they even have it.

“There are often no signs and symptoms to alert you until the liver becomes decompensated and close to failure.”

The average life expectancy of liver patients is now 58 years and falling, with the North West having higher than average figures of patients across the UK with this disease.

The free talk will take place as part of the ‘Medicine for Members’ series, run by Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs Fairfield General.

Residents are invited to the Education Centre at the hospital, in Rochdale Old Road, between 11am and noon.

To book a place on the talk, call Angela Greenwood on 01706 517302 or email membership@pat.nhs.uk.