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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