Almost 90 members, guests and friends came together for our first members’ lunch since 2019 at the Dunsilly Hotel, Antrim today. We are delighted that so many not only enjoyed the food but also the opportunity to meet fellow liver patients and old friends, and to make new friends as well. Here are just a few pictures to share with you; hope you enjoy them.

Your support is greatly appreciated.

RBHSC Children’s Gastro Nurses in association with the RVH Liver Support Group enjoyed a great day out today with many young liver patents and their families at the Sixmile Leisure Centre in Ballyclare. Among the many things to do was badminton, bouncy castle, arts& crafts, refreshments and of course kids treats!!

Here are a few pictures capturing the atmosphere at the Belfast City Marathon. Whilst a little wet, everyone had a fantastic time and really raised the profile of the RVH Liver Support Group; well done to everyone who helped organise, and to those who took part in the walk, relay and run!!

Following a very successful online agricultural auction organised by their Mum Tara Williamson, Tommy and Mia presented our Group Founder Kay Duffy with a cheque for £12,000 in appreciation of the work the Group undertakes in support of liver patients across Northern Ireland.  Kay expressed our thanks for such a fantastic donation, stressing that only through the generosity of our members, their family and friends, could the Group continue to provide the support and services that it does.  All donations, no matter the amount, are important and very welcome.

The provision of a paracentesis trainer to the RVH Liver Unit is the first of its type in Northern Ireland. The traditional method of training staff to drain fluid from a patient’s abdomen has been to learn the theory, observe a number of procedures and then undertake the procedure for the first time on a patient. The paracentesis simulation trainer now allows staff to learn the technique of fluid drainage in a safe training environment and to practice as much as is necessary to obtain the appropriate level of competency before performing the procedure on a patient. A syllabus for certification in training has been developed with the postgraduate deanery in NI (NIMDTA) with the first official course planned for Spring 2022. Our thanks go to the RVH Liver Support Group for funding the purchase.

Even though this event took place last year we thought that you would like to read the story of little Millie who, after a liver transplant at a very young age, took on the challenge of the Great North Run. And if that wasnt enough she also did the Great Rickshaw Challenge for Children in Need. You can read her inspiring stories at these links:-

Great North Run

Rickshaw Challenge

Where are they now?

The Liver Support Group has recently purchased, and donated to the Royal Victoria Hospital Liver Unit, a number of pieces of equipment that will enable pre and post liver transplant patients to exercise more easily. Featured in the left picture is a MotoMed letto2 legs/arms exerciser. As an activating leg-and arm-/ upper body trainer RECK Medizintechnik developed the motor-assisted bed modell “MOTOmed letto2 legs/arms”. Due to its pivoted bracket, the letto2 leg/arm can be positioned to the left or the right side of the bed. It can also be situated at the foot part of the bed. This makes movement therapy possible despite of special limitations.The letto2 leg/arm is standard equipped with a hydraulic height adjustment and a manual knee bending adjustment. The features make the handling in the daily care more flexible and easy. This unit is especially useful where patients are unable to get out of bed.

In the second picture you will see Brendan on the bike trainer. Physiotherapist Suzanne, in 6D, says ” we try to increase the physical fitness of patients whilst on the ward. All of these pieces of equipment help patients maintain muscle strength and muscle mass whilst in hospital.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who have fundraised during this last year for the Group so that we can make this much needed equipment available to the ward.

Health Minister Robin Swann conveys news of the Bill passing today to the waiting media

RVH Liver Support Group Chairman, Jim Kilpatrick, congratulates Health Minister Robin Swann MLA and Jo-Anne Dobson following the passing of today’s Bill.  Jo-Anne had unsuccessfully endeavoured to bring the change about during her period as an MLA in 2014.

The Liver Support Group welcomes news that the Organ and Tissue Donation (Deemed Consent) Bill passed its final stage in the Assembly today 8th February 2022, with a unanimous vote, and many personal statements of thanks and relief that the Bill had passed without amendment.  Following Royal Assent the Bill will come into Law in 2023.  It brings Northern Ireland into line with the rest of the UK nations, where all eligible adult citizens are deemed to have consented to be potential organ donors, with an option to opt out if they choose.  At present potential donors must explicitly opt to sign the donor register to be considered.  Consent rates here are currently at 64%, and it is hoped to raise this following the Bill becoming law to around 80%.  A period of intense education, training and public awareness will begin to enable the public to discuss today’s change, and convey their wishes to their families, who will continue to be consulted in any situation where organ donation is being considered

Patricia and Rachel, both child and adolescent patient carers in the Liver Support Group, delivered a selection of sweets and activity book hampers to the childrens ward for Christmas.