Report released on rising alcohol consumption in Walsall

Walsall Teaching Primary Care Trust (Walsall tPCT) is releasing the 2007 Annual Report from the Director of Public Health on Thursday, which warns about the increasing number of adults consuming excessive amounts of alcohol in Walsall. The report show that over 20,000 adults drink in excess of sensible weekly levels and about 37,000 could be classified as binge drinkers. It also outlines the rising amount of admissions to the Manor Hospital, particularly of women and young adults, as a result of alcohol related incidents.  

Dr Sam Ramaiah, Director of Public Health for Walsall tPCT, said: “Most people drink sensibly and safely but growing alcohol consumption is leading to widespread misuse among sections of the community. The impact of alcohol misuse on our community is huge and wide ranging. Varying from serious long term health damage or death, to unsafe sexual behaviour and unwanted pregnancy, serious accidental injury, criminal activity and domestic violence, it is clear from my report that all the agencies in Walsall need to do more to tackle alcohol misuse. “

Dr John Linnane, Deputy Director of Public Health, said: “This is an important report for a topic that is often neglected. It sets out a clear basis for tackling this problem in Walsall for the coming years.”

Local alcohol profiles for Walsall are presented alongside other Black Country Boroughs, Birmingham, West Midlands and England. It includes details on the percentage of adults aged 16 or over who binge drank between 2000 and 2002 with 13.8% the lowest in Wolverhampton,  Walsall coming in at 14.9%, Dudley at 16.5%, although the England average is 18.2%. The profiles are summarised together with local information on alcohol usage patterns from 2005 West Midlands Regional Lifestyle Survey. 

A Walsall Alcohol Needs Assessment undertaken in 2006 is reviewed in detail including hospital admissions, mortality and primary care data on patient drinking patterns.