Alcohol abuse cases on increase
A rising number of people are being admitted to Lincolnshire's hospitals because of alcohol abuse.
New NHS figures show that 1,387 county patients were admitted in 2007/8 with long-term conditions such as cirrhosis of the liver or were admitted via A&E with booze-related injuries.
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This compares to 1,337 the previous year.
And NHS figures taken from the past five years reveal a marked increase in the number of alcohol-related conditions requiring inpatient treatment.
Because of the county's poor record with booze-fuelled ill health and crime, NHS Lincolnshire invested a record £1.5m into tackling problem drinking in 2008/9.
The trust is expected to announce shortly that this investment will rise to £2m in 2009/10.
Of last year's casualties, 60 were youngsters under the age of 18.
Scott Watkinson from Lincolnshire Drug and Alcohol Services said many initiatives had been introduced over the past year to target a revolving door of problem drinkers being admitted to hospital.
This includes the introduction of three alcohol liaison nurses based at hospitals in Lincoln, Boston and Grantham who work across all departments to signpost patients whose injuries and illnesses are caused by alcohol into treatment.
Mr Watkinson said: "The nurses have been with us just coming up to six months trying to get people into treatment and therefore reducing the burden on the NHS caused by alcohol.
"We have really only just begun and figures such as these are a benchmark for us to work with."
For the full story see Wednesday's Lincolnshire Echo.
10 Comments
by Andrea, Andi
Thursday, March 19 2009, 12:08PM
“Oh for goodness sake, money is what makes the world go round. Breweries have to make a profit like everyone else. It is the individuals decision how much they drink. And so what if they have one too many, it's only the odd wally that starts trouble. Most peolpe just want to hae a good time and if they need a tipple to allow themselves to do that then so what!”
by Ian Bower, Lincoln
Thursday, March 19 2009, 10:49AM
“Mr Sneer
Quote: "Your anti-alcohol diatribe is as tiresome as it is misleading."
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Actually I am not anti alcohol.
I am anti certain breweries not caring about the consequential damage caused by alcohol abuse (encouraged by them).”
by Mr Sneer, Derision on the Wold
Wednesday, March 18 2009, 3:31PM
“"take a look in the City centre on a Friday and Saturday evening - lots of not-so-sensible people staggering about."
Until you compare their numbers to the sensible drinkers walking about, at which point 'lots' becomes 'a few.'
Your anti-alcohol diatribe is as tiresome as it is misleading.
Yes, a lot of people go out to drink on Friday and Saturday nights. Yes, a few drink too much. No, this isn't a recent phenomenon, this has been the case for generations. The only difference is, back then they didn't have a worthless nanny state government constantly harping on about it. Instead, they introduced laws to deal with drunks and troublemakers and enforced them. Bizarre, I know.”
by W.Wilkins, Lincoln
Wednesday, March 18 2009, 2:49PM
“K, Lincoln, Well done!
You take first prize, Yes thats right ,we are society. So pleased we have sorted that one out.”
by Ian Bower, Lincoln
Wednesday, March 18 2009, 2:49PM
“Also - forgot to say - Yes, sensible people can take advantage of offers but, take a look in the City centre on a Friday and Saturday evening - lots of not-so-sensible people staggering about.”
by Ian Bower, Lincoln
Wednesday, March 18 2009, 2:44PM
“Claire
I am simply referring to the very cheap alcohol and free shot. It is all there to get people spending money to get drunk.
I saw some 'youngsters' racing to see who could drink ten shots the quickest. The winner did it in 17 seconds.
All par of the 'let's get bladdered' culture.
At least this story takes the pressure from smkers for a while. ;-)”
by Claire, Waddington
Wednesday, March 18 2009, 2:39PM
“Don't be ridiculous Ian - cheap alcohol does not force people to drink! Those who have serious alcohol related problems would likely get their hands on some booze regardless of the cost. Sensible people can take advantage of a good offer without going overboard. Which pub was it?!?”
by K, Lincoln
Wednesday, March 18 2009, 2:14PM
“Society is to blame?
WE are society!!!!”
by Ian Bower, Lincoln
Wednesday, March 18 2009, 12:28PM
“Social training? Well, yes.
I was sent this on FaceBook by a local Pub:
'99P DRINKS 8PM TIL CLOSE !!!!!!!!
JUST FOR BEING IN OUR (Facebook) GROUP WE WILL GIVE YOU....
FREE SHOT ON ARRIVAL
Says it all really.
Get people hooked on alcohol and you've probably got them for life.”
by W.Wilkins, Lincoln
Wednesday, March 18 2009, 10:19AM
“Yes and i expect it will continue to increase. Its a society related problem, lets not kid ourselves about that, and its just going to get worse. The big question we have to ask is why are more and more people turning to alcohol?. Again its a society problem.”