British Liver Trust

Four of the British Liver Trust’s patient information guides have been honoured by the British Medical Association, in a competition with well over 200 other entrants.

The BMA Patient Information Awards are presented when a guide makes medical information accessible to all. The BMA also look for booklets which help patients to be active participants in decisions about their care. The awards are judged by a panel of experts from the BMA.

Haemochromatosis and Gilbert’s Syndrome booklets both received ‘Highly Commended’, and Liver Transplantation and Fatty Liver and NASH booklets were ‘Commended’. 

Imogen Shillito, Director of Information and Education, said: “We’re delighted to receive this accolade. We are really grateful to the health care professionals and patients who act as reviewers. They make sure that the publications are understandable, useful and accurate.”

“Both Haemochromatosis and Gilbert’s Syndrome are quite common, but public and medical awareness is low.  In Haemochromatosis, a lack of information can cost lives. In Gilbert’s Syndrome, it can lead to costly and unnecessary tests. High quality information is hugely important.”    

For further information please contact:

Imogen Shillito

Phone:  01425 481 320
Out of hours: 07939 960 420
Email:   pressoffice@britishlivertrust.org.uk
Email:   imogen.shillito@britishlivertrust.org.uk  
Web:    www.britishlivertrust.org.uk

British Liver Trust, 2 Southampton Road, Ringwood, BH24 1HY

Editor’s Note:

1. The British Liver Trust is Britain’s only national liver disease charity for adults. We work to improve the lives of people suffering from liver disease with key roles in education, support and research.
    
2. The BMA patient information award is part of the BMA medical book competition. The aim is to recognise and to encourage the development and dissemination of patient information which are accessible, evidence-based and well designed, and which will enhance  patients' understanding of health issues and their ability to participate in decisions about their care. It was established in 1997 to recognise quality in written patient information leaflets and small booklets.
3. The Trust is working urgently to encourage prevention and investment in treatment and care for people with liver disease. Much of the increasing incidence of liver disease stems from lifestyle trends – relating to alcohol, obesity and viral hepatitis. However, liver disease has many other causes including genetics, abnormalities in the immune system and even the medicines we take. The Trust is working to raise awareness about the liver and combat the stigma associated with liver disease.
   
4. The Trust provides a comprehensive website www.britishlivertrust.org.uk, free medical helpline – 0800 652 7330, and distributes a wide range of information leaflets to individuals and healthcare professionals. In addition, the Trust is a contact point for support groups nationwide, as well as co-ordinating funding and providing support for research.