Star date: 7th February 2020

SALFORD 11% RISE IN ALCOHOL RELATED HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS

Salford has had an 11% rise in alcohol-related NHS hospital admissions over the last six years – which is one of the lowest percentage rises in the whole North West.

This week, the NHS revealed that in 2018 almost 200,000 people were admitted to hospitals across the North West because of alcohol, with Salford still contributing a hefty 7,910 patients.

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According to new figures released for alcohol-related NHS hospital admissions over the last six years (2012/13-2018/19), Salford has one of the lowest percentage rises in the North West with 11%.

Only Cumbria (0%), Tameside (2%) and Wigan (-1%) had a lower percentage rise, while more affluent areas like Trafford with a 24% rise, Cheshire East with a 27% rise, and the Wirral with a 35% rise appear to have a bigger problem.

The NHS has this week revealed that in 2018, almost 200,000 people were admitted to hospitals across the North West due to alcohol, with conditions including cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, alcohol poisoning and alcoholic liver disease.

Analysis of the statistics by alcohol addiction treatment experts UKAT reveals that the number of people admitted into hospital because of alcohol has risen across the North West by 18% since 2012/13, and is a figure that has continued to rise for the last six years.

In 2018/19, 192,250 people were admitted to hospital where the primary reason or a secondary diagnosis was linked to alcohol, 7% more than the previous year (180,330) and 18% more than in 2012/13 (163,170). The highest number of alcohol-related hospital admissions in 2018/19 include Lancashire (31,530), Liverpool (14,270), Manchester (12,370) and Cumbria (11,790).

Salford's 11% rise in alcohol-related NHS hospital admissions over the last six years saw an increase of 780 patients, from 7,130 in 2012/13 to 7,910 in 2018/19, with men continuing to dominate the figures.

"The problem with alcohol in this country is a ticking time bomb about to explode" says Nuno Albuquerque, Group Treatment Lead at UKAT "NHS Hospitals in particular across the North West are crippling under pressures directly attributable to the misuse of alcohol; a drug that is so socially accepted yet so incredibly dangerous.

"People here are seemingly struggling with their alcohol consumption; drinking so much alcohol that it is leading to hospitalisation and the diagnosis of further, debilitating conditions, yet the Government continues to have their heads buried in the sand" he adds "The question is, why do we still not have an Alcohol-specific Strategy, as promised back in 2018? It is a huge problem and one that needs immediately addressed as a matter of urgency."

For help, advice and local alcohol support services, see www.ukat.co.uk/alcohol/v7/