RCN responds to NHS statistics on alcohol abuse

Published: 26 May 2010

Commenting on new alcohol statistics published today by the NHS Information Centre, Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), said:

“The amount of people drinking to excess continues to be a serious and widespread concern. Every day, nurses see the devastating consequences of excessive drinking on patients’ physical and psychological health.

“The large number of people currently requiring hospital treatment for alcohol-related illness also means more pressure on the already over-stretched frontline health services. The government needs to act now to protect the health of the nation. We need the mandatory code to be strengthened to include tighter regulation on the labelling, sales and advertising of alcohol. These are practical steps the government can take immediately to promote healthy lifestyles and reduce the future burden of ill health on individuals, the NHS and to society.”

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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.