New research highlights stark inequalities in access to life-saving liver transplants

Important new research published reveals a stark reality for people with chronic liver disease in England: despite facing a high risk of death after emergency hospital admission, the vast majority are not receiving a potentially life-saving liver transplant.

Published in the peer reviewed journal Frontline Gastroenterology, the nationwide study of over 82,000 patients found that just 0.64% received a liver transplant within a year of their first emergency admission, while nearly 38% died in that time.

The findings also expose significant inequalities in access to potentially life-saving treatment. Patients living in the most deprived areas were around half as likely to receive a transplant as those in the least deprived communities, and access varied depending on where people lived and the type of hospital they were admitted to.

People with alcohol-related liver disease, the most common cause of liver disease in the study, were the least likely to receive a transplant.

Pamela Healy, Chief Executive of the British Liver Trust, who were one of the research study’s partners, told That's Health: “This research lays bare the stark reality facing people with liver disease. 

"Too many are reaching crisis point, being diagnosed for the first time during an emergency hospital admission in A&E, and then, sadly, dying. 

"Only a tiny proportion go on to receive a life-saving transplant. The clear inequalities linked to where someone lives, and their level of deprivation are deeply concerning and must be addressed.”

Lead author Professor William Bernal of King’s College Hospital Trust added, “Our study shows liver transplantation is used far less often than might be expected after emergency admission with chronic liver disease, and that access is uneven. With such high mortality, there is an urgent need to improve both equitable access to transplantation and the overall care these patients receive.”

The study also highlights that patients admitted to hospitals with a transplant centre were significantly more likely to receive a transplant, underlining the importance of timely referral pathways and access to specialist services.

While liver transplantation can dramatically improve survival, the researchers emphasise the number of transplants available is limited. They call for action not only to address inequalities in access, but also to improve early detection of liver disease, prevent avoidable harm, particularly from alcohol, and ensure better care during and after hospital admission.

Pamela Healy added, “Ultimately, we cannot rely on transplantation alone. We must do much more to prevent liver disease, diagnose it earlier and ensure everyone has fair access to the care and treatment they need, wherever they live.”

Read the full study here: https://fg.bmj.com/content/early/2026/05/28/flgastro-2026-103636

https://www.britishlivertrust.org.uk

Louis Walsh hair transplant by Dr Maurice Collins of Hair Restoration Blackrock (HRBR).

Last Saturday, 10th December, Louis Walsh confirmed in The Times that he has had a hair transplant procedure.
Hair Restoration Blackrock (HRBR) can confirm that Louis Walsh was treated by Dr Maurice Collins. Dr Maurice Collins is founder and Medical Director of HRBR.

Dr Collins commented today - “Louis Walsh has decided to let it be known to the public that he has had a hair restoration procedure, carried out here at Hair Restoration Blackrock. Like James Nesbitt he has spoken about his hair surgery to try and encourage other men who have hair loss issues to seek proper advice regarding their concerns.

When Wayne Rooney made it known that he had hair transplant surgery carried out in the summer of this year, he did a huge amount to remove the stigma that was associated with hair loss and hair restoration surgery.

The general public frequently interpret hair transplantation as a cosmetic 'vanity' procedure. Nothing can be further from the truth as it brings about an improvement in self-esteem and self confidence, and also an inner contentment. To give you an idea of the extensiveness of hair loss, a few stats: 30% of men at 30 are affected, 40% at 40 and 50% at 50.

We would like to congratulate Louis Walsh on his ongoing success with the X Factor.”

HRBR is based in Blackrock Co. Dublin, Ireland, and is Europe’s only dedicated purpose built hair transplant clinic. Dr Collins consults in Dublin and London.

Hair Restoration Blackrock (www.hrbr.co.uk) is a specialist hair transplant clinic founded 8 years ago by Dr. Maurice Collins at the Blackrock Clinic in Dublin. Maurice Collins is an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) surgeon by training with 25 year experience at the Blackrock Clinic in ENT. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons London, Dublin and Edinburgh. His two surgeon colleagues are also fellows of the Royal College of Surgeons (UK and Ireland). In 2007 HRBR moved to a dedicated purpose built facility at Samson House in Dublin.

Dr Collins’ interest in hair transplant surgery started eight years ago. Dr Collins has trained and studied internationally in this specialist subject with some of the best experts in the world. Dr Collins and his team regularly attend, and participate in, the annual conferences of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) and the European Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ESHRS). Dr Collins contributes to the ISHRS Hair Transplant Forum International bi-monthly newsletter and was named ‘Surgeon of the Month’ in May/June 2007.