Reducing Alcohol Related Harm in Northern Ireland: A Report to the DHSS Project Team

Author(s): Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety
Document Type: Report
Year: 1999
Publisher: Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety
Place of Publication: Belfast
Subject Area(s): Health
Client Group(s) : Young People, Women, Elderly

Abbreviations: NI - Northern Ireland

Background to the Research

  • It is estimated that as a result of alcohol related harm, some £34.3 million per year is incurred in costs directly impacting on government spending; e.g. hospital costs, general practice costs, prisoner costs associated with alcohol related crime. In addition to these, it is estimated that £743.2 million per year is incurred in costs which impact on government spending less directly; e.g. premature deaths, costs to industry due to sickness absences, road traffic accidents.
  • In May 1998, a multi-disciplinary Project with representation from a variety of organisations and a Quality Council were established to oversee a review of the existing strategy on alcohol related harm, published 10 years earlier.
  • The overall aim of the Review was to evaluate the existing strategy along with relevant provision (health promotion and addiction treatment services) and, on the basis of these findings, to make practical recommendations for tackling the problem of alcohol related harm in NI.

Research Approach

  • In addition to evaluating the existing strategy and provision through an analysis of existing quantitative evidence, the review was designed around an extensive consultation process with the intention of involving as many stakeholders as possible with an interest in the field of alcohol related harm in NI.
  • A series of workshops, meetings and focus groups was carried out.

Main Findings

The following common themes were identified:

  • Co-ordination and collaboration
  • Culture
  • Accessibility, Legislation, Enforcement and the Industry
  • Health Promotion and Education
  • Services
  • Resources
  • Young People
  • Women
  • Violence and Crime

It is from the common themes outlined above that the following recommendations emerged.

Recommendations

  • A new, accountable co-ordinating structure to include a Ministerial led Central Alcohol Co-ordinating Group and at least four sub-regional Alcohol Co-ordinating Groups, an Alcohol Co-ordinator, and an Alcohol Advisory committee.
  • Targeting of specific at-risk behaviours (e.g. 'binge' drinking) through a co-ordinated approach including health promotion, treatment and enforcement rather than concentrating on consumption levels alone.
  • In support of this, research, health promotion and education programmes to operate at both regional and sub-regional levels.
  • Health education initiatives as part of wider health promotion and lifestyle education, particularly for young people and women.
  • Increased training and development of Health and Personal Social Services professionals in order to halt alcohol related harm at the earliest stage.
  • Initiatives to ensure that patients receive the appropriate level and type of care for addiction problems at the earliest opportunity.
  • Comprehensive information systems to be used in making evidence-based decisions regarding referrals and the cost-effectiveness of services.
  • Enforcement measures to tackle underage drinking.
  • New responses to dealing with people who are intoxicated and violent, both within a medical setting and within a criminal justice setting.

 


 

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