A major public health engagement programme is launching this June, delivered alongside BSG LIVE 2026, the flagship annual conference of The British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG), taking place from 22–25 June.
Working in partnership with BSG, British Liver Trust, Liverpool Convention Bureau and Liverpool City Council’s Public Health team, the initiative is supported by LEX’s Legacy Strategy, helping ensure the event delivers lasting benefits for the Liverpool City Region beyond the conference itself.
Liverpool Experience Campus (LEX) is proud to support this initiative. Liver disease is now the third leading cause of premature death in the UK, yet around 90% of cases are preventable.
Alcohol‑related liver disease remains one of the few major causes of death that continues to rise among people under 75, often developing silently without symptoms until it is too late.
Through this legacy programme, free FibroScan liver health checks will be made available to people living in Liverpool while BSG LIVE 2026 is in the city.
These quick, non‑invasive and painless scans can detect early signs of liver disease before symptoms appear, offering a vital opportunity for early intervention, treatment and lifestyle support.
Details on how members of the public can book their free scan will be shared closer to the event.
As part of the wider public engagement programme, Colin the Colon, the much‑loved inflatable exhibit from Guts UK, will be installed at Metquarter Liverpool on Sunday 21 June.
National Medical Leaders and Municipal Teams Collaborate
The rollout of the diagnostic campaign utilises the arrival of national medical assemblies to directly confront persistent regional health inequalities across Merseyside.
Colin Rees, President of the British Society of Gastroenterology, said:
“The BSG is delighted to be helping to create a legacy that will last well beyond our conference.
“This initiative reflects our wider commitment to improving digestive health through prevention, early diagnosis and public engagement.
“By working with LEX Liverpool and health partners in the local area, we hope to leave a lasting impact on liver health awareness in Liverpool.’
Cllr Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture at Liverpool City Council, said:
“Liver disease is one of the most significant and preventable health challenges we face in Liverpool.
“Initiatives like this are vital in helping people understand their risk and in encouraging them to take action earlier.
“By bringing free, accessible liver health checks into the community, alongside trusted support services, we can reduce harm, save lives and tackle health inequalities across our city.”
Clinical Diagnostic Services Aligned with Developing Municipal Alcohol Strategy
The inclusion of mobile scanning equipment in non-clinical settings serves as a primary pillar for early diagnostic intervention within the metropolitan framework.
Professor Matt Ashton, Director of Public Health for Liverpool, said:
“We know that liver disease often develops silently, which is why early detection is absolutely critical.
“Providing FibroScan testing in community settings gives people the opportunity to identify issues before they become serious, and to access the right advice and support.
“This work also aligns with our developing Alcohol Strategy for Liverpool, which focuses on prevention, early intervention and ensuring people can access the help they need at the right time.
“Initiatives like this show how we can turn that ambition into practical action, improving health outcomes for our residents.”
Adrian Evans, Director of Sales for Conference & Business Events at Liverpool Experience Campus, said:
“Through our Legacy Strategy, we work closely with organisers to ensure conferences leave something meaningful behind for our city.
“By opening up access to free liver health checks and engaging people across the city, this project reflects our core mission to use the events we host to genuinely improve lives.
“Bringing people together to harness the power of events like these can improve lives long after the delegates have gone home.”
People who are unable to access a scan during the event, or who are concerned about their liver health, are encouraged to speak to their GP or local pharmacy.
Support is also available year-round across Liverpool for anyone worried about alcohol use. If you are concerned about your drinking or someone else’s, River, Liverpool’s commissioned drug and alcohol treatment service, offers free, confidential support.
Contact River: Call 0151 706 7888 or visit here to find out more about the services available and how they can help.
