Liver Health Clinic
The CMH Regional Liver Health Centre accepts physician and nurse practitioner referrals from within the Region of Waterloo and Wellington County for the purpose of providing patients with diagnosis, treatment and management of advanced liver disease.
This may include conditions such as advanced cirrhosis, acute hepatitis, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), among other liver disorders. Dietitian and nursing consults are also available to complement medical services.
The Liver Health Clinic (LHC) marks the start of a vision to establish a much needed network to support liver health within Waterloo Wellington regions. With the addition of its own dedicated diagnostic equipment for same day results, LHC also offers a region-wide intake system that connects the patient to the next available specialist.
The LHC comprises a multidisciplinary team including:
- Hepatologist (Liver Specialist)
- Nurses
- Dietitians
- Social Work
The following services are provided:
- Hepatologist consult for the diagnosis, treatment and management of liver disease
- Screening, prevention and management of advanced liver disease (e.g., Cirrhosis)
- Dietitian and nursing consult services for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and liver cirrhosis
- Management and monitoring of patients with acute Hepatitis
- Ultrasound tests within the unit (starting Sept. 8)
We are grateful for the support and investment from the Lyle S. Hallman Foundation as they were an early catalyst to advancing the opening of the Liver Health Clinic. Their commitment to invest in this clinic strengthens local health care for Waterloo Wellington residents, providing them with access to quality care, closer to home.
Your "To Do" List for the visit:
- Patient Registration and Health Card: Please enter at the Main Entrance (Wing A) and register at Patient Registration with your health card prior to any testing/appointment.
- Medications: Bring your medications, including over-the-counter medicine and supplements, to each appointment. Keeping an up-to-date list of your medications can be helpful.
- Ultrasound: If you are to have an ultrasound, please proceed to the liver health clinic to have this done before you see the doctor.
- Lab Work: If you are to have bloodwork done, please proceed to the Laboratory Patient Services (Wing A, Level 1) before coming to the Liver Health Clinic appointment.
Click here for a printable version of this To Do list, with added information and friendly reminders.
Please bring any personal assistive devices that you require for your appointment. For example, any communication or mobility device you may need like a walker, hearing aid, etc.
Kindly note that CMH has a no scent policy. Refrain from using or wearing perfumes, scented deodorants and scented products before coming to hospital.
Understanding Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)
MASLD, formerly known as NAFLD or “fatty liver”, is a common liver condition linked to metabolic risk factors such as type 2 diabetes, obesity or high waist circumference, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol and triglycerides, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and sleep apnea. Often silent at first, MASLD can progress to serious liver damage if left unmanaged. The good news is that lifestyle changes can slow, stop, or even reverse early disease.
Resources to support your liver health journey:
- CMH Dietitian MASLD Video – Our clinic's dietitian explains MASLD and shares strategies for healthy eating and weight management.
- CMH MASLD Handout – summarizing MASLD and MASH, practical and helpful tips for making healthy lifestyle changes.
- Eating the Mediterranean Way – Metabolic Syndrome Canada (MetSC) – A practical checklist on the Mediterranean dietary pattern, shown to reduce liver fat, and improve heart health.
- LiverAdvocates.org is a non-profit organization aimed at increasing awareness, provides educational resources and peer support on MASLD.
- LifestyleRX – is a free self-referral 12-week virtual program available for Ontario residents to help individuals reduce liver fat and improve metabolic health through physician led education and sustainable lifestyle changes.
- Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health (2023) – Learn about the latest national recommendations to help Canadians make informed choices and consider lowering alcohol use for better health.
Understanding Liver Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is the result of long-term liver damage from various causes including MASLD, hepatitis, alcohol use, or autoimmune liver conditions. While it can be serious, many people with cirrhosis can live well for years with proactive care, regular monitoring, and lifestyle adjustments.
Resources to support your journey with cirrhosis:
- CirrhosisCare.ca – information and handouts developed by liver specialists to help patients and caregivers understand cirrhosis, nutrition, medications, and warning signs.
- Nutrition in Cirrhosis Guide – provides dietary advice for managing cirrhosis, including strategies to address malnutrition, increase protein intake, plan meals, and manage cirrhosis related complications.
Understanding Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease
Alcohol-related liver disease is a common cause of liver damage and cirrhosis. Quitting or reducing alcohol use can significantly improve liver health. Support is available—and recovery is possible.
Supportive services and resources:
- KW & Cambridge RAAM Clinics & Guelph/Wellington County RAAM Clinics – Rapid Access Addiction Medicine clinics offer walk-in and “digital front door” for withdrawal support, counseling, and recovery planning. No referral needed.
- Sober Livers – A peer support program for individuals with alcohol-related liver disease. Includes educational tools, mentorship, and community connection.
- Local Mental Health & Addiction Support:
- Here 24/7 – A single access point for mental health, addictions, and crisis services. Call 1-844-437-3247 for immediate help.
For all other liver related conditions, refer to Liver Canada for information on a variety of liver diseases along with a national helpline (1-800-563-5483).
Referring physicians and nurse practitioners:
Please make all Liver Health Clinic referrals through the Ocean portal to ensure referrals are received and scheduled in a timely manner. Oceans platform will allow for real time communication between LHC and the referring provider on status updates.
Alternatively, if you do not have access to Ocean, you may fax the referral form below to 519-629-3801.
Please note that referral forms must be entirely completed to be processed.
Liver Health Clinic Fax Referral Form
Resources
We value your opinion. At anytime you wish to provide feedback, we encourage you to share it directly with your healthcare team in the moment or as soon as possible. You may also speak with the social worker, spiritual care advisor, the unit's charge nurse or the team's leadership (see below).
If you shared a concern that you feel has not been addressed, please connect with the Patient Experience Lead at patientrelations@cmh.org.
Sandy Bakewell, Manager Medical Day Clinic, Liver Health Clinic, Ambulatory Clinics - ext. 3064
April McColluch Director Medical Programs - ext. 2402
Share your Feedback
We're always looking to improve our website. If you have a question, comment or suggestion, please share it using the Website Feedback Form in Contact below. We appreciate your feedback.
Referral Process
Referring physicians and nurse practitioners: Please make all Liver Health Clinic referrals through the Ocean portal to ensure referrals are received and scheduled in a timely manner. Please note that referral forms must be fully completed to be processed.
See 'Referring Health Care Professionals' section for more information or for faxing instructions/fax referral form if you do not have access to Ocean
Liver Disease in Canada: A National Health Crisis
- 1 in 4 Canadians may be affected by liver disease
- An Ontarian born in 1990 has a 116% higher chance of developing cirrhosis in their lifetime compared to someone born in 1951
- As of 2012, the prevalence of cirrhosis in Ontario was estimated to be 120 per 10,000 population
- This translates to about 10,000 patients with cirrhosis in WWLHIN
- The incidence of cirrhosis is also increasing significantly, primarily due to MASLD and alcohol-associated liver disease
Patient Registration – located by the Main Entrance - Wing A, Level 1
Patient Laboratory Services – located in Wing A, Level 1
Liver Health Clinic & Ultrasound – located on Wing C, Level 2
Appointments by referral only. All patients that have an appointment must first register in Patient Registration (Wing A, Level 1 by Main Entrance). Park in lot #2. The Liver Clinic is located in Wing C, Level 2.
Location:
700 Coronation Blvd.
Cambridge, ON
N1R 3G2
Phone: 519-621-2333 ext. 3505
Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (excluding holidays)