Raising awareness of alcohol abuse
February 1, 2018
Alcohol abuse in Sandwell and Birmingham costs the NHS a staggering £72.1 million a year, new figures have revealed.
And around 300 patients are being seen every month at our hospitals, suffering from some form of alcohol abuse. The shocking statistics were released during Alcohol Awareness Week (November 13- 19).
Arlene Copland, Lead Alcohol Nurse, said: “We see a startling number of patients coming into our emergency departments who need help to control their alcohol intake.
“But what they don’t realise is drinking too much can lead to a number of serious health problems, such as liver disease, cancer, fertility issues, stomach ulcers, raised blood pressure, stroke and dementia.
“It’s important that everyone knows what their limits are. National guidelines recommend that both males and females do not drink more than 14 units per week.
“We work closely with local charities Swanswell, Change Grow and Live (CGL) to reduce admission to hospital due to alcohol abuse and provide support in outpatient settings. We are helping patients to reduce their intake or stop drinking alcohol completely.”
The theme for Alcohol Awareness Week centred around encouraging people to think about how drinking can also affect their family.
Our organisation worked with Swanswell and CGL to organise a number of activities at both Sandwell and City sites to raise awareness among patients, visitors and colleagues.
Arlene added: “During the week, we organised drinks tasting where people tried non-alcoholic cider and wine, there was a short quiz and visitors were able to try on special beer goggles which gave the same visual effect as when a person is drunk.
“Nearly 300 visitors came to our stands during the week and were really interested in learning about the impact of alcohol on their health and wellbeing.”
Shanique Sanderson, Staff Nurse on Lyndon 4, who visited the stand, said: “From talking to alcohol nurses, I have learned so much about what our patients go through to control their drinking. I don’t drink, but when I tried on the beer goggles, I was startled to find out what the world looks like when you’ve consumed alcohol.
“Campaigns like this are a fantastic way of raising awareness among our colleagues and of course visitors who come to our hospitals.”