Alcohol Change UK and Public Health England warn over hospital admissions in Yorkshire and beyond

Health experts are urging drinkers to cut back on alcohol this year to reduce the risks to their health and wellbeing after a steady rise in hospital admissions in recent years.
Experts have warned over rising alcohol use.Experts have warned over rising alcohol use.
Experts have warned over rising alcohol use.

Official figures from Public Health England reveal every region in the country saw a rise in alcohol related hospital admissions between 2014/15 and 2018/19.

Across the country there were over 350,000 hospital admissions in 2018/19 — the equivalent of nearly 7,000 every week.

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In Yorkshire, admissions increased yearly from 35,290 in 2014/15 to 38,460 in 2018/19 - a nine per cent rise, one above the national proportion - with 183,020 admissions in total over five years.

Hull had the highest rate of admissions regionally in 2018/19, with 910 per 100,000 of the population, but this was joint 16th nationally in a comparison of local authority areas.

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

"We are concerned that these figures could increase...as a result of the pandemic as multiple studies have shown that while lighter drinkers have been drinking less, heavier drinkers are drinking more during lockdown.

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“We know from our work that social isolation and a lack of a human connection is a big factor behind why some people turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism. The necessary coronavirus restrictions has meant many people have been unable to see their loved ones or friends, which has exacerbated these issues whilst having a big impact on mental health.

Dr Richard Piper, chief executive of the charity Alcohol Change UK, said hospital admissions related to alcohol “continue to remain far too high”.

“Many of us are finding ourselves drinking more heavily and more often than we would like as we try to cope with the many challenges thrown up this year by Covid-19 and it’s vital that those of us who need specialist support can easily access it,” he said.

“For some of us, taking an extended break from drinking, like having a Dry January can be a good way to reset our relationship with alcohol, particularly if our drinking has been creeping up.”

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Rosanna O’Connor, director of drugs, alcohol and tobacco at Public Health England added that cutting down on drinking can reduce health risks.

Ms O’Connor said: “About 10 million people in England are drinking in ways that increase the risks and many are looking to cut down. Setting yourself a target of having more drink-free days every week is an easy way to drink less and reduce the risks to your health.”

If you are concerned about the drug or alcohol use of yourself or someone you know you can talk to a trained advisor via We Are With You's online webchat service via www.wearewithyou.org.uk.

We Are With You also runs a helpline specifically for people over 50 who are concerned about their alcohol use. For free support and advice please call 08088010750.