Drinking habits brew up boroughwide health problem

Over a quarter of Rochdale drinking to a harmful level

Over a quarter of Rochdale people drink themselves to danger, a new survey has revealed.

Figures obtained by NHS North West and the Department of Health show that over 25% of people in the borough drink to what is considered a hazardous or harmful level.

The drunken behaviour of others is a concern for 74.5% per cent of people in Rochdale who were surveyed in the Big Drink Debate, the biggest ever survey on alcohol in the North West.

Three hundred and forty eight people from the town took part in the questionnaire and gave their opinion. Around 30,000 people across the North West completed the survey between May and August 2008.

Launched by Our Life in partnership with Government Office and NHS North West and The Department of Health, the aim of the Big Drink Debate was to find out what people’s views are on drinking and how it affects their health, safety and well being.

The survey also found that:

51.8% of respondents say that they either don’t drink or drink at a sensible level.
51.6% believe action is needed to tackle alcohol-related behaviour
63.8% see alcohol-related crime as a concern locally
84.7% think low prices and discounts increase people’s alcohol consumption

Michelle Loughlin, consultant in public health at NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale, said: “We have a challenge ahead of us to convey the very serious health risks of people regularly drinking more than the recommended level of alcohol. “

“The impact of alcohol harm on individuals, families and our communities costs an enormous amount to our police, health and fire services. This issue should be of concern to every resident of the borough who can make a difference by ensuring that they and those around them enjoy a drink sensibly and safely.”

Assistant Chief Constable Gary Shewan who is the North West’s police lead on alcohol issues, said: “The North West's relationship with alcohol is one of the most unhealthy in the country.

“Each one of us needs to question our own behaviour and ask ourselves why we buy and keep so much alcohol in the home. Some retailers are using price and promotion as a lever to increase sales. This practise encourages bulk buying which in turn means we buy more alcohol than we actually need and store it at home making it very accessible to our children.

“The alcohol industry is facing a tough economic climate, but by employing price and promotional practises they are encouraging drinking to excess.



“We, as police officers, are left to deal with the consequences of alcohol fuelled behaviour in our towns and communities. Therefore work must continue to address the issues around the alcohol agenda”.

Regional Director of Public Health, Dr Ruth Hussey said "Alcohol consumption is taking its toll on the region’s health - one person is admitted to hospital in the North West every seven minutes for an alcohol-related condition. The NHS is working around the clock, but we need public support to reverse this trend."

Our Life Director Alison Giles said: “The Big Drink Debate has clearly shown that discounts and low prices have a key role in increasing how much we drink. Our role will be to find ways to tackle this issue and put a halt to the growing health and crime problems caused by drinking too much. Our region deserves better and we will be recommending ways to achieve the best results.”

Our Life has been established to offer creative ways for the NHS, local government, the public, business and voluntary organisations to work in partnership to make sure that the North West becomes one of the healthiest regions in the country.

In November Our Life organised a summit of leaders from health, police, fire and local Government organisations, met in November and pledged to prioritise action to change the harmful alcohol culture across the North West.

For more information about Our Life visit www.ourlife.org.uk