Rise in cases of alcohol poisoning

Almost 150 women across Rochdale were hospitalised with alcohol poisoning after binge drinking sessions last year.

Doctors treated 133 women over the age of 18 and a further 11 girls aged 17 or under, up 33% on the previous 12 months.

More women than men were hospitalised through alcohol poisoning last year. 103 men, three under the age of 18, were treated, a 30% increase on 2007.

The figures only relate to alcohol poisoning and do not take into account the thousands of people who would have passed through accident and emergency for other booze-fuelled accidents or simple drunkenness.

Michelle Loughlin, Consultant for Public Health at NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale said: “In Rochdale borough, the NHS and Council are working together to reduce alcohol related hospital admissions as a matter of priority.

"Although most people do drink in moderation, many people are not aware of the number of units that they drink and the harm that can cause to their health.

“Locally, GPs, Pharmacists, A&E staff and even some dentists will soon be helping people to become more aware of the amount of alcohol that they consume, and offer further advice or help to those who need it.”

The Liberal Democrats seized on the numbers as proof that binge boozing is spiralling out of control for both men and women.

Don Foster, Liberal Democrat culture spokesman, said: “Such dramatic increases in alcohol poisoning raise serious concerns that the health messages on alcohol simply aren’t getting through.

“These figures make clear we need to do a lot more to educate women about the health consequences of drinking too much.”

Nationally, the number of women being admitted to hospital for alcohol poisoning in the last five years has almost doubled.

The data, released in answer to a parliamentary question, also showed a 66% increase in the number of admissions of 14 to 17-year-old women.

The Liberal Democrats want casaulty departments to make referrals to alcohol health workers, who would give support, advice and information to patients on their alcohol use.
A Department of Health spokesperson said: “The level of alcohol-related hospital admissions, crime, and even deaths are unacceptable. Tackling this culture is a Government priority. We are determined to take action to reduce the health and social harm caused.”