Liver disease problems are on the rise

New figures show liver disease crisis caused by alcohol rising sharply

New figures show an alarming rise in liver disease caused by alcohol abuse. NHS admission for alcoholic liver disease reached a high of 16,865 in 2011-12, up from 15,858 in 2010-11, and 14,886 in 2009-10.

Figures for 2012-13 so far (April-December 2012) already show 12,306 admissions.

Meanwhile, the number of liver transplants where the reason given for transplantation is ‘alcoholic liver disease’ is also rocketing upwards. In 2012, liver transplants because of alcohol reached a high of 197, up from 155 in 2011.

Both sets of figures were released following a parliamentary question by Diane Abbott MP, Labour’s shadow public health minister

Diane Abbott MP said:

‘These figures show what a disaster David Cameron’s apparent u-turn on minimum pricing is. Doctors and medical opinion know that action on price is a key part of any serious alcohol strategy. Publicans and bar owners have written to Cameron pleading for action on price to stop the neighbourhood pub being swept away by a tide of cheap supermarket alcohol. Local authorities up and down the country want action on cheap alcohol to help them tackle the social disorder caused by "boozed up" Britain, but still, David Cameron refuses to act.

‘England is one of the few countries in the EU where a major cause of preventable death is on the increase. Radical measures are needed to tackle problem drinking and yet any action from this government has now been totally derailed by u-turns, confusion and bitter infighting. The strain this government’s inaction is placing on families’ health, high-streets and our NHS is a scandal.

‘We need a comprehensive alcohol strategy. It should address: licensing reforms; marketing; advertising; education; public awareness and a minimum unit price.’

--ENDS--

For more information, please contact Gabe Trodd on 0207 219 4426

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