5 October 2010
Disturbing new figures show that the number of people admitted to Epsom and St Helier hospitals with alcohol related illnesses and injuries in the past seven years has increased by almost 145 per cent.
Whether people require long-term medical treatment for chronic liver failure, or need hospital treatment in Accident & Emergency (A&E) after a drunken fall, the figures show that in 2009-10, 575 people were admitted to the hospitals because of drinking alcohol, compared to 234 in 2002-03.
Dr Sameer Zar, consultant gastroenterologist at the Trust said: "Every year more and more people need hospital treatment as a direct result of alcohol abuse.
"Drinking too much alcohol can be very damaging. Not only can it put a huge strain on your social life and relationships, it can also affect your work performance. As alcohol also impairs your judgement, it also leaves you vulnerable to accidents and injuries. Long term alcohol abuse comes with other health problems too - it can damage your liver, pancreas, heart and brain.
"And of course, seeing such an increase in the number of patients with alcohol-related conditions puts even more strain on the NHS, and in financially challenging times like these, it is vital that we are making the best use of our resources."
Dr Zar stressed the importance of getting timely health advice for those who may be at risk. He said: "The early signs of liver failure can be subtle and hard to spot, but with early intervention, we can start to treat the problem before it causes serious, life-threatening damage. I know a lot of people don't find coming forward easy, but it really could be a matter of life and death."
There are a number of ways to access advice and information about alcohol:
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schedule an appointment with your GP. They will be able to assess your health and give you further information about the help available to you;
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visit www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk for more information about drinking, and for details of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings, which take place. Alternatively, call 08457 697 555;
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if you are affected by someone else's drinking visit www.al-anonuk.org.uk or call 020 7403 0888. The helpline is open from 10am - 10pm, 365 days a year;
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visit www.nhs.uk/alcohol for more information about the effects of drinking, including a downloadable alcohol tracker to keep track of your drinking habits.
