26/03/2009

BMA Wants Better Funding For Scottish Alcohol Services

The leader of Scotland's doctors today called for better funding and provision of alcohol treatment services in Scotland.

His call came following the publication of the Audit Scotland report, Drug and alcohol services in Scotland.

Dr Peter Terry, Chairman of the BMA in Scotland, said: "Alcohol kills six people every day in Scotland. Whilst drinking in moderation can be a source of pleasure, the effect of excessive alcohol consumption on our health and the related social and economic impact is significant.

"This report provides further evidence of Scotland's growing problem with alcohol misuse."

The BMA has welcomed the Scottish Government's commitment to tackle the scourge of alcohol misuse on our society.

It is widely recognised that there is no single solution to the nation’s alcohol problem and that is why doctors have welcomed the debate on a whole range of strategies including pricing, labelling, education and treatment.

Dr Terry added: "Alcohol related disease is wholly preventable and if we take effective steps to prevent alcohol misuse then the provision of treatment services would not be such an issue. However, at the present time it is necessary that more is done to help people with alcohol problems.

"We need to identify patients who are misusing alcohol much earlier, but it doesn’t end there. There must be enough funding in place to refer patients who are at risk to specialist centres. Alcohol is a public health priority and I want Scottish Ministers to work with doctors to put an end to Scotland's drink problem."

It is estimated that alcohol costs the NHS £110 million, with the overall cost to Scotland (including social work, criminal justice, emergency services and economic costs) equalling £1.1 billion per year.

(JM/BMcC)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

02 March 2009
Plans To Tackle Alcohol Abuse Announced In Scotland
Plans to ban two-for-one alcohol promotions and cheap supermarket booze have been outlined by the Scottish government today, to help tackle alcohol misuse.
18 May 2006
Government action urged on alcoholic parents
An estimated one in eleven children in the UK are living with parents who misuse alcohol, according to a report. Social care charity Turning Point said that children whose parents had alcohol problems often suffered behavioural, emotional and school-related problems.
17 December 2004
Fines increased for drink-related offences
On the spot fines for drunken seasonal revellers have been increased to £80 as the Government launches a crack down on binge drinking in 180 urban locations.
19 November 2010
Reduce The VAT On Alcohol Sold In Pubs, Says Expert


Alcoholic drinks served in pubs should be taxed at a lower level than drinks bought from shops, says an expert in this week’s British Medical Journal (BMJ). This action would deliver the health benefits associated with introducing a minimum price on alcohol, increase tax revenue for the Treasury and save pubs says Dr Nick Sheron.
11 November 2010
Scottish Reject Minimum Pricing On Alcohol
The British Medical Association (BMA) in Scotland have today expressed deep disappointment over the Parliament’s rejection of minimum pricing during the final debate on the Scottish Alcohol Bill.