The public are being invited to attend a talk about the future of liver surgery at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. The meeting takes place from 6pm to 8pm on 14th September in the hospital’s Benjamin Gooch Lecture Theatre.

The East of England Specialist Commissioning Group will soon be consulting on a proposal to centralise liver cancer surgery in one centre in the East of England.  The liver service provided in Norwich has excellent clinical outcomes and the hospital Governors have already voiced their support for ensuring that the service continues to be provided in Norwich.

NNUH Chairman David Prior says: “This talk will demonstrate the very good outcomes for cancer patients requiring liver resection surgery achieved at NNUH and the very close clinical association between liver surgery and colorectal surgery. There is a suggestion that liver surgery may be moved from Norwich, a move that we believe would be detrimental to patients.”

The speakers will be colorectal surgeon Mr Christopher Speakman and liver surgeon Mr Simon Wemyss-Holden. About half of patients who develop colon cancer also go on to develop liver tumours. During the talk the surgeons will describe how they work closely together to provide a joined up service for patients.

Patient Alan Stephens, who also leads the patient group Together Against Cancer, has undergone liver surgery at NNUH. He says: “I have benefited from the excellent care available at Norwich and would like to see this service continue for other patients. It is essential that the two elements of the service - liver surgery and colorectal surgery - are offered together. ”

To book a place at the talk call the Communications Team on 01603 287634 or e-mail membership@nnuh.nhs.uk