The festive party season is in full swing. But what effect is it, and increased alcohol consumption in general, having on health and social care services and the people who work in them?
The cost of alcohol is being felt across the health service all year round. More than 10 million adults in England now drink more than the recommended daily limit (pdf). Up to 35% of all A&E attendance and ambulance costs may be alcohol related, according to the Nuffield Trust. In 2013-14, more than a million hospital admissions were as a consequence of an alcohol-related diagnosis, and this figure is increasing.
The effect is not just felt in hospitals; up to 35% of GP visits are estimated to be related to alcohol. The true impact of alcohol on health services is likely to be even higher than this and it is a contributing factor to falls, domestic violence, mental health problems in both the young and old, and heart disease.
Whether you work in A&E, in other hospital departments, for a GP surgery, or in the community; whether you’re a doctor, care worker, nurse or midwife, or work as a porter, cleaner, manager or administrator, we’d like to hear about your experiences of treating people with alcohol-related problems. Do you think there are sufficient services to treat people with alcohol misuse issues? Share your story by filling in the form below. We’ll use a selection in our reporting.
