25th Anniversary of the Royal Victoria Hospital Liver Support Group

That this House celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Royal Victoria Hospital Liver Support Group in Belfast; notes the work they are doing to monitor the position of liver cancer across Northern Ireland and furthermore, across the UK; highlights that unlike screening for breast cancer, there is no standardised, central screening programme for liver cancer, which is most commonly detected at a late stage in those most likely to develop the disease and that this late detection results in poor outcomes for those patients, with a survival rate, post-diagnosis, of only 13% after 5 years; further notes their work in lobbying for a clear, adequately funded and resourced pathway for liver care in Northern Ireland, which should focus on early detection and on-going management of liver patients, with the aim of educating the public on liver health risks such as obesity, substance abuse and poor exercise; thanks in particular Jim Kilpatrick for his incredible dedication to the RVH, after being diagnosed with Liver Disease himself in 2017; and further thanks all the staff and volunteers involved for their work and effort paving the way in terms of support for those with Liver Disease and Liver Cancer.