Alcohol related hospital discharges for Argyll 16% up in 5 years

According to statistics just released by NHS Scotland, the level of discharges from hospital in Argyll, linked to the use and misuse of alcohol,are up by 16% over the past 5 years. The overall average for Scotland was a rise of 9% in the same period.

This paints a picture for serious concern in Argyll and constituency MSP,Jim Mather, says: ‘This is yet another statistic that demonstrates that the misuse and abuse of alcohol is causing very serious problems in our society.

‘I am deeply concerned to see that the statistics of Argyll & Bute. While they are not the worst in Scotland, they are significantly above the national average and that, in itself is a matter for serious concern.

‘Indeed, I believe that we must react to this by redoubling our efforts to boost the local economy to help more people into work and able to make better lifestyle choices.

‘That would be further assisted by the Scottish Government’s proposals for Unit Minimum pricing for alcohol.

‘This policy continues to gain significant support from Medical Officers of Health and Police Chiefs across Scotland’.

Moreover – and tellingly, as Mr Mather points out: ‘the Labour led Health Committee at Westminster recently joined the ranks of those supporting the principle.’

There is, of course, no suggestion that the minimum pricing per unit strategy on its own will resolve the problem – but it is a key instrument in approaching this genuinely serious social and health malaise.

The Scottish Government has led the way in this policy within the UK and it has the heavyweight support of health professionals at all levels and of the police. The battle is against the culture of cheap alcohol and binge drinking and the battle is for the lives of Scotland’s – and Argyll’s – young people.

Mr Mather says: ‘The attitude of the opposition parties to Minimum Pricing is extremely disappointing as they appear to have no alternative proposals to combat the problem of anti-social drinking and the misery it causes’.

Some indigestible facts are:

• 3,000 Scots die each year from alcohol related illness
• Alcohol is almost 70% cheaper in real terms than in 1980
• The number of alcohol related discharges from Scottish Hospitals has increased by 9% in the last five years; in Argyll & Bute by 16%.
• Scottish Government plans for Minimum Pricing will target cheap, high strength alcohol – and so will not affect responsible and moderate drinkers, nor will it impact upon the Scotch malt whisky industry.

That the rise in the health impacts of drinking in Argyll are almost twice the Scottish average is an eye opener for everyone. It underlines just how serious is the situation we are facing today. Unless we do something, tomorrow will be another story – and a tragic one.