Booze leading to more hospital admissions

The number of people from Wrexham admitted to hospital for drink-related conditions is well above the national average, according to a recent study.

Leading doctors in Wales are now calling for more measures to be put in place after the survey by the British Medical Association Wales (BMA).

Wrexham was among a number of places in Wales where the emerging drink problem is of particular concern.

Staff at Wrexham Maelor hospital have agreed there has been an increase in the number of people admitted to hospital as a direct or indirect result of alcohol consumption.

A spokesman for the hospital said: "The trust does not routinely collate data on the number of patients presenting at A&E or admitted with conditions or injuries caused or exacerbated by alcohol.

"However, anecdotally, staff within the A&E department have confirmed that the number of such cases is felt to have been increasing gradually over the previous five years, and that an increasing number of younger people are suffering from the effects of excessive drinking.

"This seems to be a pattern that is common across much of the UK, although without access to comparable information it is not possible for us to judge how Wrexham and North East Wales compares with other locations.

"As well as casualties suffering severe intoxication, patients also present at the department with injuries sustained in accidents whilst under the influence of alcohol or caused by acts of aggression where alcohol is a contributing factor, even if the victims themselves have not been drinking.

"Excess alcohol can also affect other underlying medical conditions as well as causing longer term damage.

"As always the advice from the trust is for people to enjoy sensible drinking within recommended guidelines.

"As well as helping reduce the risk of immediate injury this will protect from potentially serious and debilitating conditions later in life."

The BMA in Wales is calling on the Welsh Assembly Government and the UK Government to take action to stem the increasing flow of alcohol-related conditions.

Dr Richard Lewis, Welsh secretary of the BMA, said: "The BMA remains focused on offering practical solutions to Wales' growing drink problem. This comprehensive set of measures is designed to cover a variety of problem areas.

"It's now up to the Assembly Government, in partnership with the UK Government, to ensure these policies are taken
forward.

"After smoking, alcohol is the next big public health issue. The Government needs to get to grips with the problem."

The association wants more local schemes to outlaw the consumption of alcohol in public streets and an increase in funding of services designed to treat alcoholism and alcohol-related illnesses and doctors to take a lead by helping to change attitudes and behaviour with respect to the misuse of alcohol.

They also want an increase in taxation on alcoholic drinks, with taxation proportionate to the amount of alcohol in the product.
In June the BMA also revealed a four point plan that included a measure to stop discounted alcohol being sold in shops and off-licences and a call for legislature for alcohol labelling.

Evening Leader