Alcohol Liaison Service Piloted

A new Alcohol Liaison Service is being piloted in Walsall in a bid to reduce the number of repeat alcohol related admissions to hospital by 10% in 12 months. The service, which has been commissioned by NHS Walsall and developed by Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust in partnership with the Community Alcohol Team at Dudley and Walsall Mental Health Trust and Addaction, aims to identify those who have repeat admissions and help them access treatment in the community whenever possible.

Adrian Roche, Head of Addictions and Partnership Commissioning for NHS Walsall, said: “Alcohol related hospital admissions are a real problem for Walsall and whilst the rate of increase has started to slow we recognise more initiatives need to be put in place to tackle the problem. This pilot service identifies those who repeatedly attend hospital with alcohol related problems and works with them to identify where they can access help in the community. In doing this we hope to not only reduce the amount of repeat admissions but also increase the access of community based alcohol services and focus on early interventions for dependant alcohol users.”

Individuals who are identified as having a chronic alcohol condition are assessed by the alcohol liaison nurse on admission and a care plan is drawn up with the service user and hospital staff. The plan is followed through to discharge and then continues in the community with the help of either Dudley and Walsall Mental Health Team Worker or an Alcohol Support Worker from Addaction. The service user is given continued support in the community with staff attending treatment appointments with them when necessary and making home visits.

The new liaison service is one of the recommendations laid out in Walsall’s updated alcohol strategy looking at ways of continuing to build on the good work which has taken place in recent years to tackle alcohol misuse.

Walsall’s alcohol strategy was recently presented to members of Safer Walsall Partnership Board who are working together to tackle a range of issues across the borough. NHS Walsall has been tasked with co-ordinating the alcohol strategy, on behalf of the partnership, with cross agency support from other members who include Walsall Council, West Midlands Police, West Midlands Fire Service, Integrated Young People’s Support Services(IYPSS) and Walsall Housing Group.

Mick Birch, vice chairman of Safer Walsall Partnership, said: “Tackling alcohol misuse in Walsall is a significant challenge but one all partners are determined to tackle head on. A number of the recommendations laid down in previous alcohol strategies have been successfully achieved and there is evidence to suggest the targeted work of the last two years is having a positive impact.

“The latest strategy identifies a number of new initiatives which should enable us to continue taking positive steps forward.”

Ends –

For media enquiries contact Michelle Beddow on 01922 618355.