MEET YOUR MEDICAL TEAM
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Dr. Fiona O’connell has loved working as a GP for over 20 years, both in Scotland and Australia, and enjoys the variety and breadth of her current practice.Dr. O’Connell also works locally at a Specialist Gastroenterology clinic as a GP with a special interest in Gastroenterology. Dr. Napthali and Dr. O’Connell have been working closely for the past few years.
Fiona particularly likes the challenge of long-term care and has a special interest in Chronic & Preventative Health, such as Diabetes & Heart Disease. She particularly enjoys helping patients with chronic diseases understand and manage their long-term issues.
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has formally recognised Dr. O'Connell's extended knowledge, skills and experience in obesity management, awarding her Recognition of Extended Skills in Obesity Management, an accreditation reserved for Fellows who have demonstrated specialist expertise in this field.
Dr. O’Connell has weekly appointments available for NUYU clients for both Medical Weight Loss and In-Depth Health Review as required.
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Dr. Kate Napthali is a locally based Gastroenterologist. She offers her expertise at NUYU as a Specialist, consulting for the purposes of Medical Weight Loss.
You will find Dr. Napthali to be a calm and understanding doctor, able to address complex medical issues that may be of concern to you.
Dr. Napthali is available at our monthly clinics alongside our Pharmacist and Health Coach.
Customise your journey
with our Experts
Dr. Fiona O’Connell
We're thrilled to partner with Dr. Fiona O'Connell at NUYU Newcastle. Dr. O'Connell is now offering weekly Medical Weight Loss appointments. This exciting development means you can start your transformation journey sooner with personalised medical weight loss assessment and options.
A Rich Medical Background
A graduate of the University of Bristol, UK, Dr. O'Connell began her career in Hospital Medicine, focusing on Gastroenterology and Cancer Medicine. She later retrained as a General Practitioner in Edinburgh, earning her GP Fellowship in the UK alongside a postgraduate diploma in Family Planning and Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
Passionate About Holistic Wellness
Dr. O'Connell finds fulfillment in providing comprehensive long-term care, with particular expertise in Chronic & Preventative Health conditions such as Diabetes & Heart Disease. She has a special gift for helping women navigate midlife health transitions with compassion and understanding. Her approach focuses on empowering patients to truly understand and effectively manage their health concerns.
Recognised Leader in Obesity Management
Dr. O'Connell's expertise in weight management has now been formally acknowledged at the highest level. The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has awarded her Recognition of Extended Skills in Obesity Management, a prestigious accreditation reserved for Fellows who have demonstrated exceptional knowledge, skills and experience in this specialist field. This recognition further underscores her standing as a trusted and highly qualified practitioner in medical weight loss care.
Appointment Types
Dr. O’Connell offers weekly appointments to join the NUYU Newcastle Medical Weight Loss Program. These are 30 mins in duration, look for Initial Appointment appointments when booking.
She is also pleased to offer a bespoke 1 hour in depth health review to discuss chronic health issues preventing you from losing weight and optimising your health.
Kerith Duncanson
Accredited Practising Dietitian
Alongside our medical team, NUYU clients have access to personalised nutrition support from Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD), Dr Kerith Duncanson and her team.
Kerith understands that every person has a unique relationship with food, different health goals, and their own journey to better health. Her approach combines evidence-based nutrition care with empathy, helping clients develop sustainable eating habits that support long-term weight loss, improved health and lasting confidence.
Expertise with Empathy
Kerith brings extensive dietetic experience, along with advanced training in motivational interviewing and counselling. She and her team provide evidence-based nutrition support tailored to each individual’s needs. Beyond simply advising on nutrition, Kerith can guide NUYU clients to understand and optimise their relationship with food, make sustainable changes, and build the confidence to maintain new lifestyle habits for life.
Each of us has unique food preferences, and a different food journey. The aim is to build your kitbag of skills and resources to nurture new food-related habits - from purchasing food to meal prep, balancing energy and nutrient intake, mindful eating and meal-time routines.
Exclusive NUYU Client Support
As well as easy access to Kerith during NUYU clinic days and coffee mornings, NUYU clients can access additional dietetic support designed to maximise results and create sustainable, long-term change.
✓ Comprehensive nutrition assessment
✓ Personalised nutrition guide and recommendations
✓ Evidence-based strategies tailored to your goals and lifestyle
✓ Nutritional analysis and practical food education
✓ Resources, recipes and ongoing support
✓ Guidance to build healthy habits that last for life
INTRODUCING FIBROSCAN
WHAT IS A FIBROSCAN?
A FibroScan is a painless, non-invasive test that measures the stiffness of your liver. Liver stiffness is an indicator of scarring (fibrosis) - the more scarring present, the stiffer the liver feels.
FibroScan uses a technology called transient elastography, which sends gentle vibrations through the liver and measures how quickly they travel. The result helps your doctor assess the health of your liver without the need for a biopsy.
A FibroScan is NOT a liver ultrasound. It measures liver stiffness and fat content - information that standard imaging such as ultrasound, CT or MRI cannot provide. FibroScan complements these by measuring tissue properties rather than visualising anatomy.
Why Fibroscan?
Key Clinical Benefits for Your Patients
✓ Non-invasive - no needles, no biopsy, no sedation required
✓ Quick and convenient - scan completed in approximately 10
minutes, with no recovery time needed
✓ Measures liver stiffness (fibrosis) and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) for steatosis (fatty infiltration)
✓ Accurate staging of liver fibrosis from F0 (none) to F4 (cirrhosis)
✓ Quantifies fatty liver (steatosis) graded S0-S3
✓ Safe for all patients including those on anticoagulants
Ideal for Patients With:
✓ Type 2 diabetes
✓ Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
✓ Chronic hepatitis B or C
✓ Metabolic syndrome / obesity
Why Would My Doctor Refer Me for a FibroScan?
Your doctor may have recommended a FibroScan for one of the following reasons:
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Your blood tests or ultrasound have suggested possible liver changes.
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Your doctor wants to monitor how your liver condition is progressing over time.
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You are being considered for, or are already on, treatment for a liver condition.
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You have been diagnosed with hepatitis B or C, fatty liver disease (NAFLD/MASLD), or alcohol-related liver disease.
What Happens During the Scan?
The procedure is straightforward and takes around 10–15 minutes. Here's what to expect:
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You'll lie on your back and expose the right side of your abdomen.
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A small probe, similar to an ultrasound probe, is gently placed on your skin between your ribs, over your liver.
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You'll feel a mild, painless vibration as the probe sends pulses through your liver. Most people find it completely comfortable.
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The device records up to 10 readings to ensure an accurate result. This takes just a few minutes.
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Results are typically available the same day, but are reviewed by one of our doctors before being sent to your GP, usually within a few days.
HOW TO PREPARE
DO
Fast (no food or drink except water) for at least 3 hours before your appointment
Drink water as normal - staying hydrated is fine
Take your regular medications as prescribed
Wear loose, comfortable clothing
AVOID
Eating a large meal within 2 hours of your appointment
Strenuous exercise immediately before the scan
After your appointment:
You can resume your normal activities immediately after the test, there is no recovery time needed.
Limitations of FibroScan
While FibroScan is a useful and widely used tool, there are some factors that can affect its accuracy:
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A high BMI or obesity may make it harder to get accurate readings
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Inflammation (active hepatitis flare) can temporarily increase stiffness readings
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Ascites (fluid around the liver) can interfere with the test
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Recent food intake can slightly increase stiffness measurements — this is why fasting beforehand is important
If your result is inconclusive or technically difficult, your doctor may request the test to be repeated, or may consider additional investigations.