Alcohol costs the town millions

PATIENTS with alcohol problems are costing NHS Warrington millions of pounds each year.
A recent study by the primary care trust (PCT) reveals that more than £1 million was spent caring for just 96 patients who attended A&E on 853 occasions between them in 10 months.
The detailed analysis by the PCT also shows the level of impact alcohol has on the town’s emergency services. The 96 patients were responsible for 340 ambulance call outs and 441 hospital admissions in the same period.
NHS Warrington has chosen to release these shocking figures during Alcohol Awareness Week, to highlight the dangers of alcohol misuse and to raise awareness of how unsafe drinking patterns affect the local health economy.
Rising alcohol related admissions is a particularly difficult problem in the North West.
However in the last six years, investment in preventative measures has led to significant progress in this area for Warrington, with the town seeing the lowest recorded increases in the region.
This week sees the launch of a new lifestyle screening programme. Patients attending A&E in Warrington, will receive feedback and advice on sensible drinking and referrals can be made to other supporting lifestyle services. Anyone attending with an alcohol related problem will have the opportunity of seeing an alcohol nurse specialist.
Jane Knight, who leads NHS Warrington’s alcohol programmes, said:
“We’re extremely concerned about what is happening not just in Warrington but across the region. Our findings show just how big a problem alcohol is, which is why we have prioritised the need to alleviate alcohol-related pressures on the hospital and our emergency services.
“If we are to reach the thousands of people who are damaging their health through harmful drinking each year, then raising awareness is vital. Not only do we want them to be clear on the health and social risks of drinking, but we want to ensure that they fully understand the financial implications this has on health services.”