RCN Wales reponds to alcohol statistics
Published: 26 January 2009
Commenting on statistics published today which show that over a third of adults exceed the daily limits for regular drinking across the UK, including Wales, Tina Donnelly, Director of the Royal College of Nursing in Wales said:
"Alcohol misuse is often linked to domestic violence, crime and disorder, social nuisance, sexual assault, unprotected sex, mental ill health and suicide. Also, more than half of road traffic accidents are alcohol related.
"The Welsh Assembly Government has launched Working Together to reduce harm – the strategy for substance misuse 2008-2018. The RCN supports the annual review of this strategy against the implementation plan and the production of an annual report on its delivery. But this is not enough. The Welsh Assembly Government should have a specific and fully funded ring fenced strategy in place to reduce alcohol consumption in Wales. This should involve public education, investment in services for those suffering from alcohol misuse and consideration of the impact of advertising and licensing hours. In addition, there should be a full-time alcohol liaison nurse available in every emergency care department."
RCN Wales has campaigned for an improvement in alcohol services in Wales as part of its National Assembly Election manifesto in 2007. Further details on its campaigning work can be found in its Get it Right campaign.