FIGURES released by the government show Swindon compares well with the rest of the country when it comes to liver diseases.

On a host of categories, including the number of men and women with liver disease, the town comes in below, or in the same region, as the national average.

For example, the figure for anyone under 75 dying from a liver related disease in Swindon is 14.2 per 1,000 people which compares with a national rate of 18.

The categories included in the figures are alcoholic related illnesses, weight related illnesses, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

Scorecards were released for each local authority in the country, with adults overweight being the only related figure where Swindon is considerably worse than the national average.

Despite the figures, health chiefs in Swindon still say the figures are too high given that many of the causes can be avoided.

Cherry Jones, the Acting Director of Public Health, said: “We know that liver disease is a significant and increasing public health issue. Although the incidence of liver disease in Swindon may be significantly lower for men than nationally, and average for women, the rate is still too high when many of the causes are preventable.

“We really welcome this report as it raises awareness of the need to reduce drinking levels and remind men that they should not drink more than three to four units a day and women no more than two or three units. Two units is equivalent to a medium glass of wine.”

One of the reasons a lot of the figures are lower is that there are a number of council run schemes to help with keeping the rates down.

“In Swindon we are also working to reduce the incidence of Hepatitis,” said Cherry.

“Our substance misuse services are testing for Hepatitis C and providing immunisation against Hepatitis B, and we are working hard to increase the take up rates for testing and immunisation. “We also have systems in place to ensure all pregnant women are screened for Hepatitis B. If they are found to be positive we have care measures in place to treat both the baby and mother. We also have an established Hepatitis C Support Group that meets weekly to provide support and information regarding Hepatitis. The group has just celebrated its third birthday.”