RSPH welcomes the publication of the Nuffield Trust’s report highlighting the ‘stark challenges’ being placed on the NHS from alcohol-related harm. The report reveals a deeply concerning increase in alcohol-related emergency hospital admissions of over 50% in nine years.

Further to this, the number of people presenting at A&E with probable alcohol poisoning has doubled in six years. If hard-hitting preventative action is not taken at a national level – including Minimum Unit Pricing – we face placing even more strain on an NHS already near breaking point.

Findings in the report also make for worrying reading when considered in the context of recent planned cuts to local authority budgets, many of which fund alcohol services in hospitals. National level interventions including taxation, restricting availability and limiting marketing and advertising are also recommended as possible solutions. 

Shirley Cramer, Chief Executive RSPH, said: “The need for increased investment in prevention has never been clearer. The unprecedented efficiencies being asked of the NHS and local authorities are not compatible with a culture of treatment over prevention.

"Targeted interventions at a local and national level are needed to reverse the worrying figures seen in today’s report. There is robust international evidence that shows Minimum Unit Pricing of alcohol reduces both alcohol consumption and alcohol-related harm.

"The Government’s recent plans to cut local authority budgets, which fund many specialist alcohol services, fly in the face of the Five Year Forward View’s focus on prevention. If alcohol services are to be protected, there needs to be a clear focus on demonstrating local need and value. If we keep on ignoring the evidence and creating policy around short-term savings the NHS will pay the price further down the line."