Local liver statistics highlight concerns in the North East
Figures published by Public Health England have demonstrated that the North East has the second highest rate of alcohol-specific hospital admissions and the second highest rate of hospital admissions from alcoholic liver disease.
Colin Shevills, Director of Balance, said: “Liver disease is the only one of five major disease categories that is still on the rise and its victims are getting younger. Alcohol is a major contributor to this situation. The good news is, that when it comes to alcohol – these cases are preventable.
“As shocking as they are, today’s statistics are unfortunately not surprising. A third of our region live in the 20% most deprived areas in England. These are vulnerable people who need greater protection from the devastation caused by alcohol which is too affordable, too available and too heavily promoted.
“We must do more. The fact that the average age of death from alcoholic liver disease is 59 should give the alcohol industry and Government sleepless nights.
“The introduction of a range of evidence-based measures to help reduce alcohol consumption, including a minimum unit price and restrictions on alcohol advertising and availability, is essential if we are to turn back the tide of alcohol misuse drowning our region.”