11 students in A&E after ‘drinking too much’

NEARLY a dozen university students needed treatment in A&E in one night because they were so drunk.

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board has confirmed that 11 students were seen at the University Hospital of Wales on Wednesday due to their intoxicated state.

At this time of year many university “freshers” are subjected to initiations before they officially join clubs and sports teams.

While there is no suggestion this is the reason why they ended up in hospital fresh calls have been made to ensure students know their limits.

A spokesman for Cardiff and Vale University Health Board said: “On Wednesday night our emergency unit received 11 students who were brought in for treatment due to excess alcohol consumption.

“Our emergency staff are trained to deal with seriously ill patients and treating patients because they have consumed excess alcohol can take emergency care away from those patients that need it most.

Andrew Misell, director of Alcohol Concern Cymru, said it was easy for new students to succumb to peer pressure in order to fit in.

He said: “We know drink is going to be a part of university life and that young people take the opportunity to experiment a bit when they’re away from home.

“But sometimes this can get out of hand, particularly during Freshers’ Week or initiations.”

A Cardiff University spokesman said: “We have been made aware of these allegations and are working alongside colleagues from Cardiff University Students’ Union and South Wales Police to establish if any Cardiff University students were involved.”