NHS England in Cheshire, Warrington and Wirral would like to wish everyone a very happy New Year and remind people to stay safe, and drink sensibly.
As Big Ben strikes twelve, services across the region are put under pressure treating people who have overindulged. While many people will be responsible and drink sensibly, unfortunately there are always some who will overdo it.
Alcohol poisoning is not the only reason drinking too much can land you in hospital. People are more likely to fall and hurt themselves or get injured in fights they would not ordinarily be involved in.
Top tips for a hangover-free New Year:
•Enjoy yourself but don’t drink too much
•Alternate alcoholic drinks with a glass of water or fruit juice – this will help to prevent you becoming dehydrated
•Never drink on an empty stomach
•Pace yourself by taking small sips
•Drinking in rounds can mean you end up drinking more than you intended. Opt out and drink at your own pace
•To avoid your drink being tampered with, never leave it unattended
•Know your limits: men should not regularly drink more than three- four units of alcohol a day (a pint of larger may contain three units); women should not regularly drink more than two-three units a day (a 250ml glass of wine contains three units).
Kieran Murphy, Medical Director, Cheshire, Warrington and Wirral in NHS England, said:
“It’s a time for celebration, but nothing ruins the party mood more than starting the New Year in A&E. At this time of year hospital and ambulance staff spend a large amount of time dealing with people who are drunk or have had accidents as a result of drinking too much.
“If you keep an eye on how much you drink and are careful not to go overboard, you can have a great night and also save yourself a trip to hospital, not to mention free up services for those who really need them.”
If you are worried about your symptoms or need health advice, telephone NHS111 or your local Out-of-Hours service (accessed via your local GP telephone number) and they will help you. Be prepared, and make a note of their contact numbers so you have them if you need them.
