STOCKPORT’S DRINKING IS DRAINING NHS RESOURCES, MP WARNS

Over a quarter of Stockport residents are drinking at dangerously high levels, according to figures just released by Alcohol Concern. Alcohol misuse led to over 56,000 hospital admissions in the town last year, costing the NHS an estimated £20 million.

Local MP Andrew Stunell says it is time to tackle the social and medical damage, and to cut the cost to the NHS.

"Every taxpayer in Stockport is putting £86 each year into our NHS just to pay for treatment for alcohol abusers. That is a shocking waste of money that could and should be spent on bringing better health care for us all. I want to see a more responsible attitude by drinkers, with more education about the long-term ill health that heavy drinkers risk."

Mr Stunell is meeting with Alcohol Concern's chief executive next month to discuss practical ways of tackling the problem and improving awareness of the costs and risks of alcohol overuse.

Nationally over 10 million people are drinking above the Government's recommended limits, and draining NHS resources. The highest cost is in treatment to the 55-74 age group, ten times greater than the 16-24 age group.

Commenting on the significance for the NHS, Professor Sir Ian Gilmore, President of the British Gastroenterology Society and former President of the Royal College of Physicians said:

"It is the unwitting chronic middle-aged drinkers who are taking serious risks with their health. They present in hospital with conditions attributable to their alcohol consumption such as stroke, heart disease, cancer and liver disease. People simply do not realise that chronic drinking significantly increases their chances of suffering health problems. Indeed it is these people who are costing the NHS the most."