Alcohol wreaks havoc on Bay's services
TORBAY has one of the worst records in the West Country for alcohol-related hospital admissions, new figures have revealed.
According to a new report 293 people in Torbay were taken to hospital with alcohol-related injuries and illnesses.
The Bay was only behind Bristol with 296 alcohol-related hospital admissions and the Isles of Scilly with 294, which was a statistical blip according to the experts.
Neil Stanlake, a licensing officer with police in the Bay, admitted alcohol-related incidents were a problem.
He said: "We are not pleased with these figures. We are working hard to reduce the problem."
The report, released by the North West Public Health Observatory, also reveals there were 219 alcohol-related crimes in the Bay last year.
A spokesman for South Devon NHS Trust said: "Previous health profiles have shown Torbay to have a higher than average number of alcohol-related admissions to hospital and work is continuing locally through the trust's alcohol harm reduction strategy, both to prevent alcohol misuse and to ensure services and support are easily accessible within the community.
"This has included the development of a community-based alcohol action service to reduce the demand upon hospitals, the development of online support for members of the public, including information and advice to help people self-care and to access local services. We also have a hospital-based alcohol team in Torbay."
The health service spokesman added: "Torbay is a popular destination for those seeking to enjoy the local nightlife and, unfortunately, a minority of these visitors will require medical attention as a result of excess alcohol.
"Those attending A&E will be assessed in the same way as other patients, to ensure that patients with the most urgent need are seen as a priority."
Mr Stanlake said government officials were now considering putting up a proposal to "tweak the licensing laws" so the health service can be involved when licensing applications are dealt with.
He added: "Police and the NHS are dealing with the problem, but the main players, the licensees, need to take greater responsibility. They have to work harder to tackle underage drinking and better deal with people who are already drunk.
"Alcohol-related incidents will otherwise continue to have an effect on the health service and hospitals."
Between 2003 and 2008/09 there has been a 65 per cent increase in the number of people admitted to hospital in England and Wales because of alcohol — 606,799, an increase of more than 240,000 people.
Anyone concerned about their drinking can visit www. torbayalcoholservices.nhs.uk or call 01803 604334.
6 Comments
by Geoff, Torquay
Sunday, September 05 2010, 10:47AM
“Its all about self control and self respect, something lacking in the lives of the culture of some of these drinkers.
If their sole purpose is to drink in order to get drunk they are past caring... so bill them for the visits to A&E”
by Kevin, Torre
Friday, September 03 2010, 6:38PM
“Hi Mickey,
My argument was that most people who enjoy a drink aren't a problem to themselves and society.
The car analogy is appropriate. We don't ban cars. In recognising their benefits we also see the need to impose rules, offer guidance and educate users.
Eliminating pubs will not end alcohol abuse. The United States doesn't have a pub culture, but still has around a 13% rate of problem drinking in adults.
In a pursuit of tax revenue we have gone a long way to eliminating the small, well-regulated traditional pub which was often run with a rule of iron by a landlord wary of losing his tenancy. The pub was where young people learned to drink sensibly surrounded by people of all ages. In its place we have substituted the drinking barns of the harbourside, run by managers with targets to sell as much as possible as quickly as possible.
With beer heading towards £4 a pint, more local pubs will close leaving the high profit venues to make as much profit from young late-night revellers who have already pre-loaded at home.
Can we really blame young drinkers for acting as gladiators when we have provided the arena?”
by micky b, Torquay
Friday, September 03 2010, 3:00PM
“kevin, its a bit like saying a car is too fast for the roads, not until a driver gets in its not, a lot of people dont know their limits or do and dont care that they are @ssholes with drink, and until the police and government do something about it union st on a saturday night will stil be the sh!thole it has been for at least 35 years that i know of,. i wont hold my breath !,.”
by Devon Music Collective, the Lighthouse Paignton
Friday, September 03 2010, 11:12AM
“Why not support The Devon music collective!! We have taken over the lighthouse on Paignton seafront, And Run a youth music project, Primarily working with 14- 21 year olds. Run by young people for young people! we put on Gigs and events with NO ALCOHOL for all ages and we are looking for Torbay companies to support the initiative, encouraging alcohol awareness and responsible drinking in the bay. Its the younger generation who we need to target!
Please get in contact if you feel your business can support us in anyway! 01803 411812”
by Kevin, Torre
Friday, September 03 2010, 10:44AM
“We've been drinking alcohol for at least 7,000 years and using other forms of mind-altering substances for far longer. Indeed, the whole of human history shows a desire to become intoxicated.
If all pubs and clubs were closed down, we would just brew and distill our own supplies or move on to other unregulated drugs.
A good well-run pub and a fine pint of ale are part of our culture - from Roman taverns through Saxon beerhalls and to today's pubs.
The problem isn't drinking, but the way that people drink.
Torbay has struggled with alcohol abuse for centuries. See the website 'PRSD: Torquay's Other History' for a description of the town's temperance movement, the failed attempts at Prohibition and how we finally regulated alcohol abuse to move people from gin onto beer.”
by A Man called Jid, Montpelier School, Paignton
Friday, September 03 2010, 10:25AM
“So close all the pubs and clubs down then! We don't need them; everybody hates them.”