Liver disease is now one of the top five killers of adults in the UK, with Ireland expected to have a similar disease burden. WHO indicate a 452% increase in liver deaths between 1971 and 2012 in Ireland. More than half the adult Irish population are at risk chronic liver disease due to metabolic problems, or a history of alcohol excess. Patients admitted to hospital with liver disease are 2-3 times more likely to die than those with heart attacks or COPD.

There is an urgent need to support liver research and improve patient care across Ireland.