A new fibro scanner has been funded by Hywel Dda Health Charities for Bronglais General Hospital to help diagnose and manage liver disease.

The fibro scanner, which is a specialised ultrasound machine for the liver, measures the level of scarring and fatty change in a patient’s liver, providing a non-invasive way of determining the severity of a patient’s liver disease.

The device - worth more than £80,000 - aids in the treatment of individuals with chronic liver conditions.

The advanced mobile fibro scanner will deliver cutting-edge technology to patients at Bronglais and can be transported to substance abuse clinics, GP surgeries, and patients’ homes.

It is equipped with modern features and diagnostic tools that expedite the diagnosis of liver disease.

Donna Blinston, hepatology advanced nurse practitioner, said: "Liver disease is mostly an invisible disease until it becomes more advanced, and if undiagnosed and untreated, patients go on to develop irreversible cirrhosis of the liver.

"The new fibro scanner will be of great benefit for patients in the Bronglais catchment area, ensuring that they benefit from up-to-date technology and are able to receive timely scans in local venues."

Nicola Llewelyn, head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, said: "The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive."

To learn more about the charity and how to support local NHS patients and staff, visit the Hywel Dda Health Charities website.