WELCOME TO THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION FOR THE STUDY OF THE LIVER
BASL are delighted to announce that Frontline Gastroenterology will become the official journal partner of BASL!!
Read the full announcement > Here
BASL ANNUAL MEETING
7th-10th October 2025
BASL ANNUAL MEETING 2025 - SAVE THE DATE
Tuesday 7th - Friday 10th October 2025
Including: BLTG Transplant Meeting 7th & 8th (am) and BLNA Nurse meeting 8th (pm) and 9th October
Venue: International Convention Centre, Belfast
More details to follow.
BASL ANNUAL MEETING
BLNA
MEETING
BLTG
MEETING
BASL AND BASL SUB-GROUPS
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The British Association for the Study of the Liver is a multi-disciplinary society with around 900 members composed of interested individuals from clinical medicine, clinical and basic research and allied professions. |
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British Liver Nurses' Association is a professional nursing organisation aiming to develop knowledge and understanding of liver disease, in order to improve the quality of patient care. |
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The British Viral Hepatitis Group aims to improve the management and study of patients with chronic viral liver disease, bringing together UK hepatologists, gastroenterologists, infectious disease physicians, virologists and interested epidemiologists. |
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The BLTG (British Liver Transplant Group) was launched in 2014 to represent the professional interests of liver transplantation in the UK and promote strategic and academic development. The BLTG will foster close relationships with BTS (British Transplant Society) and LICAGE (Liver Intensive Care Group of Europe) and will build on the role of the UK and Ireland Annual Meeting by delivering structure and authority to the group. |
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Is a professional pharmacy organisation aiming to develop knowledge and understanding of liver disorders including viral hepatitis, in order to improve the quality of patient care, through medicines optimisation, collaborative and multi-disciplinary working and promoting patient-focused research. |
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British Association for Allied Health Professionals in Liver is a professional group for AHP’s specialising or working with patients with liver conditions. Bringing together specialist hepatology AHP’s from across the four Nations. Their aim is to promote excellence through the provision of AHP care to all patients with liver disorders. |
News
Joint Statement BASL/BSG - National Shortage of Pabrinex
Read morePabrinex IV will be out of stock from July/ August 2024 until September 2025, due to supply issues relating to manufacturing regulations issued by the EU. Pabrinex IM will be permanently discontinued from December 2024. Pabrinex is only used in the UK, with thiamine IV/ IM being routinely used globally.
Licensed generic vitamins B+ C intravenous injections are now available in the UK for use.We also now have a licensed IV/ IM generic thiamine here in the UK. This can be used as an alternative to Pabrinex in people at high risk of Wernicke’s encephalopathy for treatment and prevention.
The licensed dosing may differ to the unlicensed versions we have been using however matches the amount of thiamine in Pabrinex. The following, including dosing recommendations, has been updated published online by the DHSC Specialist Pharmacy Service.
Clinical decisions and discussions should be sought when choosing between thiamine and the generic Vitamins B + C injections. There will be some patients that need the extra vitamins in the Vitamins B + C injections, however it is reassuring that the rest of the world uses IV thiamine. Cost effective prescribing is also recommended. We are also awaiting the alcohol management guideline, which should be out later in the year.
Joanna Henry, Network Lead BHPG, Gastroenterology Directorate Pharmacist, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Trust
Sital Shah, Chair British Hepatology Pharmacy Group , Consultant Pharmacist, King’s College Hospital, London
Pabrinex spc Pabrinex Intramuscular High Potency Injection - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc)
Thiamine spc Thiamine Hydrochloride 50 mg/ml solution for injection - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc)
Generic Vitamin B+ C : Public Assessment Report
Join the BLNA Committee - Nominations Open and Taster Experience available - deadline for nominations 09:00hrs Monday 3rd February 2025
Read moreIf you are nurse member of BASL member you are entitled to nominate new members for the BLNA Committee.
The scope and remit of liver nurses is diversifying year on year and we remain constant in the care and management of people with and at risk of liver disease. Our diverse skills that we possess, such as being person centred, collaborative, advocates, being solution focused and proactive and demonstrating emotional intelligence in response to changing needs continues to be showcased by liver nurses locally across all four nations of the UK.
The BLNA are seeking liver nurses with a drive and enthusiasm to be involved on a national level in supporting, educating and demonstrating leadership for the liver nurse community.
The BLNA Committee require 4 new committee members from April 2025 due to planned demitting, and are now seeking nominations for the following posts:
• 2 x 2-year tenure post
• 2 x 3-year tenure post
This is an exciting opportunity for liver nurses to get involved with our friendly committee and share their skills and experience. You will gain experience working collaboratively and strategically at a national level to ensure that the needs of people with or at risk of liver disease and liver nurses are represented at the highest levels in the UK. The BLNA are key participants in the UK Liver Alliance, IQILs refresh, BSG liver section etc.
Please read some of the testimonials from BLNA members who have joined the committee: Download BLNA Committee Testimonials 2025_final.pdf
Committee members are expected to attend a monthly committee meeting held via Zoom, these take place usually on either the first or second Monday of each month from 12:00 – 13:30pm. In addition commitment is also requested from committee members to attend 2-3 other meetings each year, these may be held face to face or virtually.
If you are interested in joining the BLNA Committee, you must be a registered nurse with an interest in liver care and be a BLNA member.
BLNA Committee Member Nomination Process
Candidates wishing to be considered for election require one BLNA member to propose them, and a second BLNA member to confirm their suitability for the role in writing, by email.
Please note to be eligible to nominate, both the proposer and seconder must be a registered nurse and any nomination should include your NMC PIN number.
Email your nominations, including your NMC PIN number, to Judy at the BASL Secretariat at judy@basl.org.uk by the deadline of 09:00 on Monday 3rd February 2025.
It would be helpful when proposing a candidate if you can advise if they prefer to stand for a 2 year or a 3-year tenure.
A personal statement, containing no more than approx. 300 words, will be requested at the time of nomination from the candidates. Permission will be requested to share the personal statements with the BASL BLNA membership. (Personal statements are intended for this purpose only.)
If more than 4 candidates are nominated, the BASL Secretariat will arrange for an election of all BLNA members. 4 candidates will be elected by a simple majority of those BLNA members voting.
Important information -
- Newly elected BLNA committee members will be required to attend an on-boarding meeting via Zoom on Monday 24th March from 2-4pm.
- Newly elected BLNA Committee members will take over in post from 1st April 2024 and will be expected to be available to join the monthly committee meeting via Zoom which is taking place on Monday 7th April 2025 from 12:00 – 13:30pm.
BLNA Committee “Taster Experience”
Due to the success of a 1 year “taster experience”, the BLNA will be offering this role again for 2025. This role will be to join the BLNA committee on a 1-year term commencing in April 2025.
This “taster experience” would suit a registered nurse who is either under 5 years qualified, or new to the area of liver care, may be working in a ward environment (liver or gastro), or newly appointed liver related CNS. You will receive mentorship and support to assist you to gain insight, experience and develop skills in educational delivery and support for liver nurses; as well as increase your knowledge and understanding of strategic working at a national level.
The dates set out above in the important information also apply to this post.
BLNA Committee Taster Experience Application process
To apply for this “taster experience”, please complete the application form and submit it by email to Judy at the BASL Secretariat at judy@basl.org.uk by the deadline of 09:00 on Monday 3rd February 2025.
Download BLNA Taster Experience Application Form 2025.pdf
NB: a word copy of the application form is available from admin@basl.org.uk .
The BLNA committee will make a decision based upon the information included in the application form as to a suitable candidate for the 1-year term.
Dianne Backhouse, BLNA Chair Elect, is happy for members who are interested in joining the committee or applying for the taster experience to contact her if they have any questions, you can reach Dianne at dianne.backhouse@nhs.net or you can speak to one of the BLNA committee members, see the testimonials for members contact email addresses.
BASL is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of its work. It is actively promoting equal opportunities and access for all our members regardless of their background. We would, therefore, encourage you to consider joining the BLNA committee to help to shape the future of BASL, BLNA and liver nursing in the UK, and increase our inclusivity/inclusiveness.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact admin@basl.org.uk .
BASL & Frontline Gastroenterology Announcement
Read moreExciting Announcement!!!
I am delighted to announce that Frontline Gastroenterology (FG, fg.bmj.com) will become the official journal partner of BASL!! There has been a desire to set-up a BASL journal for a number of years, but there have always been challenges that have prevented this, the predominant one being the initial set up costs. Productive discussions were started with FG in mid-to late 2024 and it soon became apparent that the aspirations of FG and BASL aligned closely.
FG will remain a broadly cross subspecialty journal, publishing high quality gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition original research and reviews, but there is a clear and strong focus to develop and encourage the submission and publication of liver related articles and release special issues as a major strategic goal of the journal as it aims to grow and increase its impact factor and metrics.
I am grateful to the FG Editor in Chief Dr Philip Smith and the senior publisher at BMJ group for their enthusiasm, flexibility and support in setting this up.
Dr Philip Smith states, "I am delighted that BASL and FG are affiliating. I am firmly committed to publishing the very best frontline Hepatology content that is submitted to FG from around the globe, and have a fantastic Hepatology Associate Editor team (including BASL representation) who are striving to do the same. Working together with BASL is a huge positive for both FG and BASL and I am very excited to see what the future holds. I am grateful to the BASL team and Dr Tim Cross, BASL President for helping to make this happen. I will be proud to see the BASL logo within the journal going forward!"
We very much look forward to working together in the future and will strive to deliver high quality articles and original research to better serve our patients and membership.
Tim Cross
BASL President
NICE recruitment: Topic Advisor: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease/Metabolic dysfunction-associated Steatohepatitis (NAFLD/MASH)
Read moreNICE is developing a guideline on Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease/Metabolic dysfunction-associated Steatohepatitis (NAFLD/MASH).
They are seeking a topic advisor who will attend all meetings and contribute expertise throughout the development process.
This is an online application process and details related to this role can be found here: http://healthjobsuk.com/job/v6894128
Online applications close on 20 January 2025.
Guts UK/Dr Falk Awards 2025
Read moreThe 2025 Guts UK/Dr Falk Awards are now open to submissions.
These awards recognise the achievements of those who bring new insight to gastroenterology, pancreatology and hepatology, and the collaboration that furthers patient care. They are also an opportunity to achieve national recognition as well as financial support for career progression.
Visit the Guts UK/Dr Falk Awards 2025 webpage to learn more about the 7 different prize categories, and make sure to submit your application by Monday 17th February 2025 at 5pm.
Any queries can directed to research@gutscharity.org.uk .
Events
Venue: RCPE, 11 Queen Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1JQ
Audience: This well-established, two-day in person course attracts trainees and consultants from across the UK and Globally.
Remit: The course will provide an update on the latest evidence base for the management and treatment of gastrointestinal and liver conditions presented by our expert speakers over the course of the two days including:
Diagnosis and management of coeliac disease// What’s new in IBS management// IBD – before, during & after pregnancy// Surgery in IBD// New therapies for MASLD// Hepatic encephalopathy
Register: You can register per day or for the full course. Attendance is in-person only.
Full programme and booking details are the RCPE Events website > Here
For any questions, please contact: m.farquhar@rcpe.ac.uk
06/02/25
British Liver Transplant Group (BLTG) are pleased to announce the first webinar in their 2025 webinar series: 'Post transplant lymphoproliferative disorders'.
Registration HERE
The BLTG Transplant School is a series of bi monthly webinars (held via Zoom), aimed at promoting education and sharing knowledge amongst the seven UK Liver Transplant centres. We will cover a wide variety of topics delivered by expert clinicians from around the UK and round the World.
Session 1:
Webinar time: 18:00 - 19:00
Dr Huw Pursell, Registrar at Leeds Liver Unit, St James's University Hospital Leeds.
Presenting the case study of a complex PTLD patient.
Dr Sridhar Chaganti, Haematologist from University Hospital Birmingham
Presenting on the case
Followed by 20mins for questions and discussion.
Registration HERE
Not a BASL BLTG member? Why not consider joining, read more > www.basl.org.uk
Contact Kim@basl.org.uk if you have any questions.
05/03/25 - 07/03/25
The Royal Free Sheila Sherlock Hepatology Postgraduate course has gained an excellent reputation for its curriculum-focused, interactive, and clinically relevant content. It is intended for consultants, nurse specialists, and trainees in acute medicine and gastroenterology who are looking for a refresher on the most encountered hepatology scenarios in their day-to-day work, as well as a consolidation of hepatology knowledge prior to specialty exams.
The aim of the course is to equip medical professionals with confidence in managing liver disease patients.
Covering hepatology topics pertinent to the acute medical take, chronic clinics, intensive care unit, and liver transplant settings, the program has kept its traditional core classes and has been updated with new lectures for the 2025 edition.
This is the 11th edition of the course, and each year the delegate feedback has been consistently excellent.
This year's course will take place virtually, featuring lecturers that will be broadcast live and lots of chances for audience participation and Q&A sessions.This year the course will be held virtually, with live-streamed speakers and plenty of opportunities for audience interaction and questions.
BASL Trainee/Nurse/AHP Member £98.00
BASL Consultant Member £147.00
View the course programme and Register through UCL's online store > Here
For all queries in regards to this course please contact Lynn Knight at l.knight@ucl.ac.uk .
Please save the date for the next Haemochromatosis SIG meeting which will take place via Zoom.
Speaker:
Date: 6th March 2025
UK Time: 17:00 - 19:00
Location: Zoom
FREE to attend for BASL & BSG Members.
REGISTER NOW: click here
Not a member of BASL, then why not join by clicking: HERE
Please contact Georgia@basl.org.uk should you have any questions.
12/03/25
REGISTER NOW - through Zoom by clicking HERE
Are you a budding Hepatologist? Or a new consultant wanting to know more about specific areas of Hepatology? Do you want to improve your hepatology knowledge to permit Hepatology curriculum sign off? Have you got questions but not had the opportunity to ask them?
If yes then please join us for the BASL Virtual School of Hepatology Webinar Series 2024/5. The BASL Virtual School of Hepatology Sessions offer an excellent platform for trainees and consultants interested in hepatology, with talks delivered by UK Hepatologists, followed by a Q&A session.
Following the success of the series in 2021, 2022 & 2023 we are running a series of 6 bi-monthly webinars through 2024 and 2025 on a Wednesday evening.
We are delighted to announce our session for November:
Session: Managing frailty in cirrhosis – MDT approach
Speakers: Dr Matthew Armstrong and Jenny Towie
Date: Wednesday 12th March 2025
UK Time: 19:00 – 20:00
FREE to attend for BASL Members only.
REGISTER NOW - through Zoom by clicking HERE
Not a member of BASL, then why not join by clicking HERE
Remember to read the BASL Events Data Protection Disclaimer below before registering Download BASL Events Data Protection Disclaimer_2022.pdf
BASL would like to that the following pharmaceutical companies for their support of this meeting. The sponsors have had no influence or input into the programme, agenda or content of the webinar.
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