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An innovative scheme developed in Nottingham that helps to detect one of UK’s leading causes of premature death has been recognised with two national accolades this month.

The Scarred Liver project – which involves liver clinicians at Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH), researchers from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre (BRC): Nottingham and University of Nottingham, and those in Primary Care - has been awarded a prestigious NIHR Team Impact Prize.

Meanwhile, the Scarred Liver initiative has also been shortlisted as a finalist in the Parliamentary Pathfinder NHS Innovation Adoption Awards 2026.

The scheme has helped thousands of patients with liver disease in Nottingham and beyond, particularly those living in deprived areas.

Although chronic liver disease is one of the UK’s leading causes of premature death, most patients present late. This can often be at a serious and late stage of their disease, where their livers have deteriorated — because no systematic early detection pathway previously existed in Primary Care.

The research team tested FibroScan, a diagnostic ultrasound tool, directly targeting those with risk factors in a community setting. The results proved they could reliably detect liver fibrosis in Primary Care, replacing invasive liver biopsies, which eased pressure on hospitals.

They used a variety of data to directly identify areas of deprivation where much liver disease is prevalent. In collaboration with other researchers, including the University of Manchester and Liverscreen consortium, the Scarred Liver Project has contributed to three separate and novel diagnostic tests including the LiverPro and LiverRisk score.

Professor Neil Guha, Co-Lead of Gastrointestinal and Liver Research at the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) Nottingham, and Professor of Hepatology at the University of Nottingham, has worked closely with clinical colleagues including liver specialist consultant Dr Rebecca Harris at Nottingham University Hospitals.

He said: “This award by the NIHR is a great honour. Ten years ago, our patients challenged us to make specialist tests for liver disease that we previously used exclusively in hospitals and research, available in a community setting.

“We brought together a team of liver specialists, nurses, GPs, public health doctors and health commissioners to create a programme work that seeks to improve early diagnosis for our patients.

“Recognition such as this provides testament to the vision and dedication of our wonderful team in Nottingham.”

Judges from the NIHR noted the positive impact that Scarred Liver, which integrates the work of researchers and hands-on liver specialists with that of GPs and other healthcare professionals, had made in the community.

The NIHR Impact Prizes recognise major improvements in health and care over the last two decades, driven by research and scientific advances. The prizes celebrate researchers and teams who have had a significant impact on the health and wealth of the nation, as well as globally.

Driving meaningful innovations across healthcare

Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Pathfinder NHS Innovation Adoption Awards were established to recognise and celebrate those driving meaningful innovation and adoption across healthcare. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in London this November.

Dr Rebecca Harris, Consultant Hepatologist at NUH, added:

“While these accolades are indeed fantastic for colleagues and partners spanning research, NHS clinical care in both Primary and Secondary Care, and other partners across Nottingham, we would also like to recognise the difference the programme has made in terms of patient impact.

“The burden of liver disease, which can be fatal, falls disproportionately on deprived, ethnically diverse communities who have historically hard to reach by specialist services. When we set up the programme, this became apparent and we have been determined to do something about this grim reality.”

Nottingham’s research also validated a blood panel which is now used across 12 regions in England and the development of novel risk scores with international academic colleagues.

• The Community Fibroscan Service Team based at NUH, an integral part of the Scarred Liver project, has also been shortlisted in Nottingham University Hospital Trust’s Special 20th Anniversary Award category as part of this year’s People First Recognition Awards.