Rise in alcohol-related hospital admissions in Wigan

The JPI Media Data Unit studied figures from Public Health England which show across-the-board increases in people needing serious medical treatments for problems linked with liquor between 2014-15 and 2018-19.
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Now, as many people across the country take part in Dry January, health experts are urging residents to consider cutting back or get help if they feel they need it.

Wigan hospital bosses have also explained the process by which residents are supported to reduce alcohol consumption.

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In the borough the rise in alcohol-related admissions was three per cent, with 11,520 people hospitalised over those five years.

Hospital admissions for alcohol-related issues rose in a five-year periodHospital admissions for alcohol-related issues rose in a five-year period
Hospital admissions for alcohol-related issues rose in a five-year period

Admissions were at 2,360 in 2014-15 and that had increased to 2,440 by 2018-19.

The most recent figure represents 47 Wiganers per week being admitted to hospital for alcohol-related reasons and an admission rate of 760 per 100,000 residents.

That puts Wigan in the top 100 local authorities in the country with the worst problems for booze-related admissions.

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There are now concerns about how Covid-19 will impact the issue, as it has been suggested some people have been drinking more during lockdown.

Prof Kate Ardern is encouraging Wiganers to give Dry January a goProf Kate Ardern is encouraging Wiganers to give Dry January a go
Prof Kate Ardern is encouraging Wiganers to give Dry January a go

This would then potentially result in even more pressure being placed on hospitals which are already severely strained from dealing with coronavirus.

Jon Murray, executive director for services in England and drug and alcohol rehabilitation charity We Are With You, said: “The overall rise in hospital admissions in England due to alcohol-related conditions is extremely worrying."

Mr Murray urged anyone worried about their drinking or a loved one’s alcohol consumption to get in touch with the charity, which works in Wigan and Leigh.

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Prof Kate Ardern, Wigan Council’s director for public health, urged people to give Dry January a go but also suggested the longer-term data showed a more positive picture than the five years analysed between 2014-15 and 2018-19.

She said: “We are aware there has been a slight increase in admissions but alcohol-related hospital admissions are not just specific to Wigan borough and are extremely complex in nature.

“We have seen significant reductions in admissions since 2011-12 and much larger reductions than what is seen over the same period both regionally and nationally.

“We are continuously looking at ways to improve and build on proactive, strong links with partner organisations such as We Are With You, HealthyRoutes and The Brick, who help us to support residents with a range of needs.

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"Now is the perfect time to sign up to a holiday from alcohol. Dry January is not about never drinking again: it’s just an opportunity for people to reflect on their drinking patterns and to give their body a break from alcohol after the festive period.

“We know from previous years that people who do Dry January will feel better, lose weight and save money.”

Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh (WWL) Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust explained the work being done to help people coming through the doors with alcohol-related problems.

Carolyn Dereszkiewicz, divisional directorate operational manager, said: “Every patient admitted to hospital via A&E or the ambulatory assessment area is asked questions with regards to their daily and weekly alcohol intake and other health and lifestyle questions such as their smoking status, exercise activity and dietary factors. This also applies to all patients admitted to the acute hospital from all outpatient clinics areas.

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“If a patient advises they have a high level of alcohol intake, or the clinical examination reflects this, the patient will be referred to the Hospital Alcohol Specialist Team and are invited and encouraged to agree to meet with this service to support their health and well-being and future care planning both in hospital and in the community.

“Where a patient is admitted with associated alcohol-related disease, or is suffering from the effects of intoxication, they are seen by the Alcohol Specialist Team on admission and also with follow-up visits on the wards daily.

"If a patient is admitted overnight, they will then be referred to and reviewed by a member of the Alcohol Specialist Team the following morning.

"Although it is always preferable to admit the patient to the speciality, which is the dedicated gastroenterology ward, if a bed is available at the time of admission, in the event this is not the case then the gastroenterology team provides an in-reach service to all wards.

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"The team will always discuss support, treatment plans and advice on withdrawal while the patient remains in hospital and what support is available at discharge.”

Support is available at www.wearewithyou.org.uk The charity also runs a helpline for over-50s on 0808 801 0750.

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