Drink deaths soar in decade
The number of alcohol-related deaths across Lanarkshire is on the increase and the highest for a decade.
New figures from the National Records of Scotland show six of the seven health authorities – including NHS Lanarkshire – which slashed funding for problem drinking were among the worst hit.
The seven organisations cut spending on Alcohol and Drug Partnerships ( ADPs) by around £ 700,000, with NHS Lanarkshire reducing spending by 10 per cent – more than any other health board.
NHS Lanarkshire subsequently experienced a 14 per cent year-onyear increase in alcohol-related deaths from 186 in 2015 to 212 last year – the highest in 10 years.
Neil Gray, MSP for Shotts and Newmains, said: “While it is worrying that there has been a rise in alcoholrelated deaths in Lanarkshire this year, the figures do show the work the Scottish Government has already undertaken has brought about improvements in the nation’s health and relationship with alcohol, particularly the reduction in alcohol- related deaths amongst younger generations.
“I am hopeful the Scottish Government will win the longrunning legal action taken by the Scottish Whisky Association against minimum unit pricing for alcohol, as that would be another way of bringing down problem drinking.
“It is something that Alex Neil worked hard to bring to fruition during his time as Health Minister.”
Mr Neil, MSP for Airdrie and Shotts, added: “Alcohol abuse remains a major health hazard in Scotland. I think health boards have been wrong to cut the ADP budgets, as the preventive work they do for people with drinkrelated problems not only helps these patients, it saves money elsewhere in the economy.
“However, the biggest single action which will impact on these figures would be the introduction of minimum unit pricing. Despite this being made law five years ago by the Scottish Parliament, the Scotch Whisky Association still persists in delaying introduction with totally irresponsible behaviour in the courts. These figures should be a wake-up call to the drinks industry that it’s not doing nearly enough to help tackle the problem of alcohol abuse.”
NHS Lanarkshire claim initiatives are under way to improve the alcoholrelated deaths statistics, with Bobby Miller, chair of the Lanarkshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership (LADP), saying: “The overall plans to tackle drug and alcohol issues in Lanarkshire are undertaken by the LADP in a multiagency way through partnership working. Among the members of the LADP are NHS Lanarkshire, North and South Lanarkshire councils, North and South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnerships, Police Scotland, the third sector and Scottish Fire and Rescue. Members work together to agree investment and funding packages which enable the LADP to maintain the range and quality of services that are currently in place across Lanarkshire.
“Part of the remit of LADP is to assist and report to the Government on how all partners’ provide support to those with alcohol and/ or drug problems by helping them overcome difficulties and think how they may achieve healthier
lives.”