Nurses call on government to step up action on alcohol abuse

Published: 12 January 2010

 The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today (8 January) called on the government to step up action on alcohol abuse, as it welcomed recommendations by the Health Select Committee to introduce tougher measures to stem the rising tide of illness and premature deaths which result from excessive drinking.
 
Dr Peter Carter, RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary, said:

“Today’s report backs up the findings of a recent RCN/RCP survey which found that 88% of nurses and doctors do not think the current national alcohol strategy is effective. It is vital that those in power listen to the frontline nurses who witness the devastating physical and psychological consequences of excessive drinking every day.
 
“Minimum pricing is essential and must be introduced alongside measures on labelling, sales and advertising, as part of an effective mandatory code. If the government is serious about repairing the nation’s disastrous relationship with alcohol these regulatory measures must be combined with widespread campaigns to educate the public about the dangers of excessive drinking.

 “The number of people in this country suffering as a result of excessive drinking is simply scandalous. Up to 40,000 lives a year could be saved by reversing this growing societal problem. As we approach the general election, all parties must realise the severity of this dire situation and make a commitment to take drastic action to stop it spiralling out of control."

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Notes for Editors

For further information, interviews or illustrations please contact the RCN Media Office on 0207 647 3633, press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/media

Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations.