Decision Maker: Corporate Director: Public Health & Community Safety
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: No
Is subject to call in?: No
Enhance access to FibroScan testing and early detection of liver disease for Oxfordshire Turning Point service users and underserved populations.
Potentially increase the number of people with alcohol dependency who are accessing treatment
Support delivery of local strategic priorities including the Combating Drugs Partnership action to increase the number of people who are alcohol dependant accessing treatment through increased capacity in treatment.
To provide funding to Turning Point – the Council commissioned provider of Oxfordshire Community Alcohol and Drug Services (CADS), for the purchase of a FibroScan device to be used within the service.
A FibroScan is a non-invasive medical device that assesses the health of the liver. Evidence suggests that increased access to FibroScan testing improves early detection of liver disease, making this an excellent Public Health intervention. People could also be motivated by their FibroScan results to make changes incl. accessing treatment.
The option not to purchase the machine was considered, however this would mean that Oxfordshire residents would not benefit from the potential positive impacts of enhanced access to FibroScan testing.
Publication date: 30/01/2025
Date of decision: 30/01/2025