Alcohol deaths down but more dying of liver disease
THE number of alcohol-related deaths in Wales has stabilised following a significant rise towards the end of the past decade, according to a new report.
A Welsh Government report shows that alcohol-related deaths fell from 2012 to 2015, although in 2015 deaths from liver disease increased over the past five years.
The government and alcohol charities have welcomed some of the findings, but admit there is still progress to be made.
Health Secretary Vaughan Gething said: “In Wales we want to reduce the number of people getting and dying from liver disease.
“We want to ensure people – whatever their age – value good liver health, and are aware of the dangers of excess alcohol, obesity and bloodborne viral hepatitis.
“We want everyone to take personal responsibility for their lifestyle choices and reduce the risk of acquiring preventable liver disease.
“During 2015-16 there has been continued progress in the care of patients with liver disease in Wales.
“We’ve seen a reduction in the number of alcohol-related deaths over recent years, but we know there’s much more to do.
“Services are improving throughout Wales, despite dealing with complex demand. The service needs to continue to undergo change if it is to cope with patients and their needs.”
Over the past five years there has been a reduction in the number of adults reporting alcohol consumption above the former recommended daily guidelines, but authorities feel the number is still too high.
The latest Welsh statistics for 201516 found that 40% of people drink more than the former daily recommended guidelines and almost 15,000 people were admitted to hospital with alcohol-related problems.
In 2015, 807 people died from liver disease, an increase of 131 deaths, equivalent to 19.4%, over the past five years.
Alcohol-related liver disease accounts for over a third of liver disease deaths.
The report shows a fall in alcoholrelated deaths, from 504 in 2012 to 463 in 2015.
Spending on gastrointestinal problems, which includes liver disease, has also increased from £339.3m in 2014-15 to £362.6m in 2015-16.
Mark Leyshon, from Alcohol Concern Cymru, said: “Alcohol misuse remains a significant contributor to liver disease deaths in Wales.
“Despite reductions in overall alcohol consumption in recent years, too many of us in Wales still regularly drink at levels that are potentially damaging to our health.
“We fully support the Welsh Government’s plans to introduce a minimum unit price, which will make a significant contribution to improving health and saving lives.”
First Minister Carwyn Jones announced earlier in the week that Wales is set to introduce new legislation that will make it illegal for alcohol to be sold below a set price.
Mr Jones revealed the news in a speech setting out his government’s legislative priorities for the year ahead.
One group said that targeted programmes are needed to address problems without penalising the “moderate majority” who enjoy alcohol.
Director-general of the Alcohol Information Partnership Dave Roberts said: “Once again the official data from the Welsh Assembly Government shows that on the whole Wales is a nation of moderate drinkers with a welcome drop in the number of people binge-drinking. The number of people reporting to have drunk over the CMO guidelines in the past week continues to fall, with the most significant declines being among adults under 44.
“The significant improvements in young adults’ relationship with alcohol has resulted in more young adults drinking within guidelines compared to their older counterparts. The poorest in society continue to drink less than the wealthiest.”
Mr Roberts added: “To tackle specific areas of concern requires targeted programmes that encourage people to modify their habits without penalising the moderate majority, or the young adults and the poorest, who already drink the least.”