Those ending up in A&E has increased
Alcohol consumption – a stark challenge
Author: Professor Joyce Harper
This week the Nuffield Trust have reported on the growing burden of alcohol consumption in the UK (Alcohol-specific activity in hospitals in England, Nuffield Trust, December 2015. Claire Currie, Alisha Davies, Ian Blunt, Cono Ariti and Martin Bardsley). The report is an underestimate as it does not include indirect admissions such as those due to falls or patients who were sent home the same day. The last decade has seen an increase in bad drinking habits in the UK. Extending opening hours past 11pm has not decreased binge drinking or alcohol-related admissions.
The rate of people attending A&E with probable alcohol poisoning (usually as a result of binge drinking) has doubled in six years. The highest rate of alcohol poisoning was seen in the younger age group, 15-19 years, and especially among girls. Alcohol poisoning was three and a half times higher among those living in the 20% most deprived areas in England.
In the last nine years, emergency admissions to hospital specific to alcohol have increased by over 50%. The highest rate of admissions is for the 45 to 64 age group, showing that this is the age range with the biggest problem. Rates of admission were four times higher among those living in the 20% most deprived areas compared to those living in the 20% least deprived areas.
At the weekend, alcohol related admissions in A&E can count for up to 70% of cases.
Joint author of the report Claire Currie said:
“With the Christmas party season in full swing, it’s worth considering the full burden over-indulgence in alcohol is placing on our NHS, as well as the obvious human cost. Our research has uncovered a picture of rising and avoidable activity in hospitals, representing a stark challenge for the Health Service at a time when it’s already great pressure. Hospitals alone cannot tackle this issue – the Government must consider measures such as minimum unit pricing, restricting availability and limiting marketing and advertising”.
Why are we drinking more and how can we reduce it? Will increasing the price, cutting public drinking hours and limiting marketing really have an effect?
Read More:
http://www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/media-centre/press-releases/stark-challenge-nhs-alcohol-consumption
Image credit: Nuffield Trust, Getty Images via Mail Online, Telegraph
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