Welcome to the
RVH Liver
Support Group Site
"A province wide group offering help and support to those with liver disease and their supporters"
Charity Number - XR-48308
Q. How can the Support Group Help?
Q. Do I need to be a patient at the Royal to get help from the Group?

No. The Group works on a regional basis throughout Northern Ireland.
Q. How can the Support Group help?

Many of the Group have been to Kings. They are keen to help. Just click on the "contacts" tab for more information.
Q. Can the Liver Support Group help financially?

If you have to go to hospital in England for a liver transplant or liver related treatment we can help in certain circumstances.
Q. What does the liver do?

The liver is a vital organ which performs many complex functions eg processing digested food and converting it into energy, controlling the levels of fat in the blood and fighting infection.
Q. What can go wrong with my liver?

There are over one hundred liver disorders. The most common are hepatitis, cirrhosis, gallstones, cancer of the liver and primary biliary cirrhosis.
Q. What are the signs and symptoms of liver disease?

Typical signs include fatigue and weakness, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite and weight loss, itchy skin, jaundice and fluid in the abdomen.
Q. Do patients become confused?

With severe disease the liver cannot remove waste products and these can be carried to the brain. Symptoms range from minor memory lapses, slurred speech, confusion or, in severe cases, unconsciousness.
Q. Is cirrhosis only caused by alcohol abuse?

No. It is a popular misconception that cirrhosis only affects people who drink too much alcohol over the years. In fact there are many children with liver disorders.
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free and confidential advice and understanding.
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Item 2a listening ear, whether you need one phone call or long term support. We can ring back, write to you or, if you prefer arrange someone to meet you.
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financial assistance in certain circumstances.
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help and support at any time, however trivial you may consider the issue.
Q. If I need a liver transplant can this be done in Northern                     Ireland?
Q. How long will I have to wait for my transplant?

It could range from several months to well over a year.
Q. How long will I be in hospital?

This varies greatly on your recovery rate. Twelve to twenty one days is normal.
Q. Who will pay for my trip?

The Health Boards in NI will pay for the patients travel and that of one carer. Travel forms must be completed by the doctors in advance which you will need to sign.
Q. How will I get to Kings?

Usually patients are able to travel to Heathrow by scheduled flights. Otherwise arrangements will be made for you to go by air ambulance.
Q. Where will my relatives stay?

Often it is possible to stay at the Halfway House near Kings. You need to contact the liver Transplant Coordinators at Kings in advance (02077374000 ext 2254). If it is full they will help you find B & B near the hospital. Relatives will have to pay and one of them will be reimbursed by the Health Board upon receipt.
Q. How do I get from Heathrow to Kings?

The best way is to phone Dulwich Cars (02086931000) before leaving Belfast and they will meet you at Heathrow. You will need to bring £60 to £70 in Bank of England notes for this. The Health Board will reimburse you upon receipt.
Q. What is the NHS Organ Donor Register?

This is a confidential computerised database holding the names of 14.3 million people who have decided to become organ donors. Some 320,00 of these are from Northern Ireland, approximately 16% of the population.
Q. How can I become an organ donor?

Contact the Organ Donor line on 0845 60 60 400, fill in the registration form which is readily available or using the on-line form on this site.
No. Patients are referred to England, usually Kings College Hospital in London, or in the case of children, to Birmingham Children's Hospital.
Frequently Asked Questions
©2007 Royal Victoria Hospital Liver Support Group