Search: Alcohol Concern youth drinking figures
Youngsters tackling alcohol abuse are not receiving the immediate help and support they need, a new report shows.
The data, published by charity Alcohol Concern, reveals that whilst some hospitals in England recognise the scale of alcohol harm among young people, simple measures are not established in many A&E departments.
The research shows that only 12 (9%) of A&E departments questioned offer alcohol harm-reduction interventions. Of these, only eight have the same interventions for patients under 16.
Nearly half (48%) of A&E departments do not have referral procedures in place, meaning that health staff are unable to direct young people with alcohol problems to specialist treatment.
The findings are based on data obtained from 128 A&E departments through a Freedom of Information request.
The report also reveals that almost three quarters (73%) of A&E departments have failed to developed strategies aimed at reducing alcohol harm in young people. Just under a quarter (24%) of A&E departments employ a specific person to deal with alcohol problems among youngsters and of these, only 17% could assist patients under 16.
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Don Shenker, chief executive at Alcohol Concern, said: "Too often children get patched up in Emergency departments and sent on their way, only to repeat the same behaviour in the future.
"Attending hospital is a significant consequence of excessive drinking and often can represent a 'teachable moment'. Hospital staff can implement a number of strategies which will reduce harm to young people and reduce costs to the NHS in the long term."
The report outlines steps that A&E departments can take to help youngsters "at risk", including early intervention, and calls for hospitals to prioritise reducing alcohol abuse in young people.
Nigel Edwards, acting chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said: "Getting the response right requires co-ordination across different parts of public services and Alcohol Concern's report clearly shows that, while some areas already have the necessary strategies and services in place, more needs to be done to make sure excessive drinking in the young does not become a long term, much more insidious, habit."
