News Articles 1 - 10 of 160

21
Mar
The SHiNE-UK Study (Surveillance and Care for HCC: A National Evaluation) is now live
News Type: BASL News

The SHiNE-UK study (Surveillance and Care for HCC: A National Evaluation) is now live.

Further information and all study docs are available on REDCap dashboard here; www.REDCap.link/SHiNE-UKdashboard


Do you want to help to research an increasingly important clinical question in hepatology? Do you want to get involved in a large national collaborative project with PubMed-cited collaborative authorship?

SHiNE-UK (Surveillance and care for Hepatocellular carcInoma: a National Evaluation) is a multi-centre project aiming to understand HCC surveillance adherence and outcomes, routes to diagnosis and treatment utilisation across the UK.

SHiNE-UK is a trainee-led multicentre retrospective study that is led by the Trainee Collaborative for Research and Improvement for Hepatology (ToRcH-UK) and hosted by Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust. I

This project comprises of 3 threads:
• Survey of the current provision of HCC surveillance and care (site leads only)
• To assess HCC surveillance adherence and outcomes for patients active in surveillance (all sites – projected 20-60 cases per site)
• To assess routes to diagnosis and first line treatment utilisation for incident HCC (network HPB MDT sites only – projected 30-90 cases per site)

All clinicians, including specialist nurses and allied health professionals are encouraged to take part. Local project teams will gather retrospective data between February and July 2024. All data will be submitted anonymously on REDCap. Each site will have a site lead (registrar) with a supervising gastroenterology/hepatology consultant. The study can be registered via your local Audit Department and will not require R&D approval.

If you would like to take part, please access the SHiNE-UK study dashboard which provides the protocol and supporting materials www.REDCap.link/SHiNE-UKdashboard.

Key Dates
27-Nov-2023 - Site registration opens
19-Feb-2024 - REDCap data collection opens
30-Apr-2024 - Site registration closes
31-Jul-2024 - REDCap data collection closes

Download SHiNE-UK Promotional Poster v1.0 04-Feb-24.pdf

If you have any questions, please contact us via committee@torchuk.org. We look forward to working with you on this exciting project!

Best wishes
SHiNE-UK Project Management Group

X @SHiNEUK_study 

28
Feb
Clinical Research Fellow - Hepatology - NDM Experimental Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford.
News Type: BASL News

About the Role

We are seeking to appoint a highly motivated, clinically qualified candidate (with an interest in hepatology, hepatobiliary surgery or oncology) to join our established, multi-disciplinary team, to undertake a clinical fellowship in liver cancer early detection. The post is full time, for 3 years, and the successful applicant would be expected to register for a DPhil (PhD). Your fees for the DPhil will be paid.

You will play an active role in the execution of clinical studies within DeLIVER (https://deliver.cancer.ox.ac.uk/), a CRUK funded program that seeks to detect hepatocellular liver cancer (HCC) early.

You will be responsible for supporting the DeLIVER team in acquiring liver tissue by i) performing fine needle aspirations/liver biopsy, and ii) by liaising with the interventional radiologists and hepatobiliary surgeons. This program would involve the evaluation of biomarkers (immune and/or genetic) in blood, HCC, and the back-ground liver, that will support early cancer detection and enhance our understanding of pathways in the liver that lead to HCC transformation.

Informal queries may be addressed to Prof Ellie Barnes, ellie.barnes@ndm.ox.ac.uk .

A link to the full application can be found here: Job Details (corehr.com)

Please note the tight deadlines – the application closes on 15th March, with interviews expected on the 25th or 26th March 2024

14
Feb
Foundation for Liver Research 2024 Legacy Grant Scheme Call now open
News Type: BASL News

The Foundation for Liver Research has created the Legacy Grants Scheme in memory of the late Professor Roger Williams CBE (1931-2020). This scheme is open to any applicant in the UK and has one annual funding Call in Spring each year.

This translational research funding scheme will award one grant of up to £50,000 to support experimental studies in the field of liver research.

The aim of this translational research scheme is to support experimental studies in the following key areas of liver disease:

(1) Improved understanding of the pathogenesis of liver disease

(2) The development of accurate diagnostic tests, identification of early risk biomarkers, and exploration of protective and therapeutic vaccination strategies for liver disease.

(3) Accelerated translation of research discoveries from bench-to-bedside

Further information is available in the Scheme Overview below and full details can be found on the Foundation for Liver Research website > Here .

Download Legacy Grants Scheme_Overview 2024.pdf 

Closing date 5pm Friday 12th April 2024

For further details or in case of queries, please contact grants@researchinliver.org.uk  

29
Jan
Closure of HCV Research UK
News Type: BASL News

As many in the hepatology community are aware, HCV Research UK has been operating for more than a decade, providing clinical data and biological samples from a national cohort to support research studies into HCV infection. In total, more than 100 applications for accessing data and samples have been approved, enabling unique insight into the characteristics of infection, pathogenesis and the mechanisms underlying treatment response.

With the advent of direct acting antivirals and the progress towards elimination, there are now few applications requesting access to the resources. In addition, the clinical database has not been updated for several years. As a consequence, the HCV Research UK Management Group has decided to close provision of data and samples by the end of this year. Therefore, we would urge anyone who may wish to use the clinical data and biological samples to lodge applications by the end of May 2024. The process for applying to access HCV Research UK resources can be found at www.hcvresearchuk.co.uk . We also suggest contacting either Will Irving (will.irving@nottingham.ac.uk) or John McLauchlan (john.mclauchlan@glasgow.ac.uk) in the first instance. This would allow sufficient time to process the applications, complete the necessary MTAs, prepare the clinical data and set aside any samples that would be needed for any research studies.

The Management Group wishes to express its gratitude to the clinical teams and HCV Research UK staff whose commitment and efforts enabled the creation of a national cohort. Finally, we will be forever grateful to the individuals living with the virus who generously provided their clinical data and samples to the benefit of studies that have deepened our knowledge of HCV infection.

HCV Research UK Management Group

Professor Will Irving (University of Nottingham)
Professor John McLauchlan (University of Glasgow)
Professor John Dillon (University of Dundee)
Professor Sharon Hutchinson (Glasgow Caledonian University

10
Jan
British Liver Trust Love Your Liver Awareness Month - January 2024
News Type: BASL News

January is Love Your Liver Awareness month a campaign ran by the British Liver Trust. The key aim of the month is to put a spotlight on liver disease risk factors and the steps we can take to keep our livers healthy.

The liver is a vital organ with an amazing ability to regenerate. Performing over 500 jobs, including producing energy and fighting infection, it works hard and can tolerate a lot of abuse. But like an elastic band – it can only stretch so far before it breaks. Taking steps to look after your liver will give it the chance to replace damaged tissue with new cells.

One in three of us is at risk of liver disease. While there are over 100 types of liver disease, with some conditions caused by genetic and autoimmune factors, a staggering 90% of cases are linked to alcohol consumption, excess body weight, diet and viral hepatitis.

Pamela Healy, Chief Executive at the British Liver Trust, said: “Liver disease has been a growing public health concern in the last twenty years during which time deaths have more than doubled with more than 10,000 people dying from the disease every year. Ninety per cent of liver disease is avoidable and sadly, the numbers of people being diagnosed have been increasing at an alarming rate".

The British Liver Trust’s Love Your Liver campaign has three simple but effective steps to improve your liver health:

  • Drink less than 14 units of alcohol and have three consecutive days off alcohol every week.
  • Cut down on sugar, carbohydrates and fat, and take more exercise.
  • Know the risk factors for viral hepatitis and get tested or vaccinated if at risk. There are now highly effective cures for hepatitis.

(Blog supplied by the British Liver Trust)

08
Jan
Become a Trustee at the British Liver Trust
News Type: BASL News

The British Liver Trust is looking for new Trustees to join their Board.

Their Trustees play a pivotal role in providing governance and guidance to ensure they are delivering for people with liver disease and liver cancer. They are involved in setting the strategic direction of the organisation, as well as holding the senior management team to account. The trustees work closely as a team with the senior management team of the charity, playing an active role advising and mentoring as required.

The British Liver Trust is a small charity with big ambitions. They want liver disease to have the same profile and awareness as the other big killer diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and cancer.

They are looking to recruit trustees to help the charity grow and develop to meet this challenge. At this time, they would particularly like:

  • to recruit a clinician with specialist Hepatitis B knowledge, and
  • to broaden the diversity of their Board, particularly ethnic diversity which they recognise as limited currently

The British Liver Trust is committed to improving equality, diversity, and inclusion across the organisation and to building a Board with a variety of backgrounds, skills and views, so that their leadership reflects the population at large and the communities they serve. They also welcome applications from people who have personal experience of liver disease. Please tell us if there may be any barriers to your engagement with us and we will actively work with you to remove these.

They currently have 4 Board meetings a year, usually virtually, Trustees may be asked to sit on a Board sub-committee relevant to their skill set and are invited to get involved in other ways from time to time.

If you have the skills, knowledge and experience required, please ask for a pack from helen.westhead@britishlivertrust.org.uk .

If you would like an informal chat with the British Liver Trust Chief Executive, Pamela Healy, please email Helen with your availability so that she can arrange this.

Applications close midnight on 14 February 2024.

www.britishlivertrust 

18
Dec
2024 Guts UK/Dr Falk Awards
News Type: BASL News

The 2024 Guts UK/Dr Falk Awards are now open to submissions.

These awards recognise the achievements of those who bring new insight to gastroenterology, pancreatology and hepatology, and the collaboration that furthers patient care. They are also an opportunity to achieve national recognition as well as financial support for career progression.

Visit the Guts UK/Dr Falk Awards webpage > here .

There are seven prizes in total available, including a Nurse Recognition Prize.

Deadline - submit your application by Monday 12th February 2024 at 5pm.

01
Nov
Opportunities: BASL Trainee Subcommittee – Expressions of Interest Close 15th November 2023
News Type: BASL News

BASL’s Trainee Subcommittee members are nearing the end of their tenure and we are seeking expressions of interest from trainees to take over these roles.

The subcommittee was formed to increase regional representation for hepatology interested trainees and is formed of 8 regional representatives. The regions are:

  • South West
  • South East
  • Midlands
  • North West
  • North East
  • Wales
  • Scotland
  • Northern Ireland

Key roles will be in the promotion of hepatology locally and assistance in delivering BASL Trainee Educational events.

Read more here:  Download BASL Trainee Subcommittee Aims June 2021v1.pdf

Application:

You must be a BASL In Training member to apply and have a training number in Gastroenterology.

The post will be for 2 years and members are invited to submit an expression of interest to judy@basl.org.uk detailing which region you are interested in representing, along with a personal statement containing no more than 300 words, explaining why you want to represent your region and what you can bring to the BASL Trainee Subcommittee.

In the case of multiple applicants for a region the Secretariat will arrange for an election of the BASL In Training members. Representatives will be elected by simple majority of those members voting. (The personal statement will be shared with the membership if there is a vote and will be used for this purpose only.)

Deadline for expressions of interest is 23:59 on Wednesday 15th November 2023.

BASL is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of its work. It is actively promoting equal opportunities and access for all our members regardless of their background. We would, therefore, encourage you to consider representing your region on the BASL Trainee Sub-Committee to help to shape the future of BASL and increase our inclusivity/inclusiveness.

If you have any specific questions about the subcommittee, please do not hesitate to contact admin@basl.org.uk .

We look forward to hearing from you.

Best wishes

20
Oct
Enter the 2024 BJN Awards today - Gastrointestinal Nurse of the Year Category - closing date 15th December 2023
News Type: Nurse News

The British Journal of Nursing is delighted to welcome nominations.

The BJN Awards are designed to recognise, highlight, and reward excellence, innovation, best practice and leadership in care. 

Do any of your colleagues deserve recognition? 

Have you excelled in clinical practice?

Please nominate for the Gastrointestinal Nurse of the Year category.

Visit the BJN website for all of the information and to Enter on line > HERE

Entries close on 15th December 2023!

On Friday the 22nd of March 2024, the BJN in partnership with the leading UK nursing societies will host its prestigious annual awards at the BMA House, London. The evening promises to be a special night where we will celebrate amazing nursing achievements and hear from the winners on their award-winning work to inspire others to introduce changes to their own practice.

For any enquiries please contact Erin Cardon. Email nurseledconferences@markallengroup.com .

04
Oct
Press Releases British Liver Trust - BASL Annual Meeting 2023
News Type: BASL News

New research reveals late detection of liver disease crisis with more than a third dying within a year of diagnosis:

Download New research_late detection of liver disease crisis with more than a third dying within a year of diagnosis.pdf

"Alright My Liver?" screening programme in the South West finds hundreds with liver damage, potentially saving lives:

Download Alright My Liver_screening programme in South West finds hundreds with liver damage potentially saving lives.pdf