'Too much of the hard stuff: what alcohol costs the NHS' has been jointly released by the NHS Confederation and the Royal College of Physicians. The briefing:
"...outlines the extent of the problem and gives examples of where the NHS is managing problem drinkers effectively and efficiently. The NHS Confederation visited hospitals between August and November 2009 and gathered evidence from members to gain an understanding of the extent of the burden and the ways in which hospitals can improve their services."
The briefing summarises a number of key points including:
- Over a quarter of the population in England is drinking at hazardous levels.
- Treating alcohol-related conditions cost the NHS approximately £2.7 billion in 2006/07, almost double the 2001 cost.
- The pressure to react to drinkers’ urgent and increasing health needs makes it difficult for preventative measures to keep pace.
- Hospital care alone cannot solve the problem and the escalating burden on the NHS is unsustainable.
- Out-of-hospital services could provide more appropriate care and be more cost effective.
- Changing the way we deliver alcohol-related services can save PCTs up to £650,000 a year.
In 2008 the National Audit Office released a critical report into the provision of alcohol treatment services, though the Department of Health (DoH) have since developed the national Alcohol Improvement Programme to promote High Impact Changes to help reduce alcohol related hospital admissions. Last month DoH guidance on alcohol treatment pathways was released.
This month the House of Commons Health Committee are expected to release their alcohol inquiry report calling for further action form the government, most notably to adopt a minimum pricing measures.
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