The role of the hepatology clinical nurse specialist in caring for patients with alcohol-related liver disease

There are many types of liver disease, but 60% of hepatology patients in the UK have an alcohol-related disease. The hepatology clinical nurse specialist (CNS) is responsible for assessing these patients, providing education and helping manage their symptoms. Liver disease tends to be complex and variable, and so management presents many challenges. For example, it can be difficult to balance provision of every feasible treatment with patients' need to make end-of-life plans. This article aims to offer a personal insight into the role of a hepatology CNS working in a quaternary liver centre.