SALFORD TOPS THE TABLES FOR THE WRONG REASONS YET AGAIN AFTER ITS REVEALED AS THE ALCOHOLIC CAPITAL OF ENGLAND

In a study carried out by the NHS local clinical commissioning group, it was revealed that Salford is top of the table for the number of alcoholics being prescribed for alcohol-related issues. 

The figures show that for every 100,000 residents, prescriptions for alcohol-related issues are given by local doctors, which makes Salford the top of the table with the unenviable title of booze capital of England.

In contrast, Horsham in Mid Sussex takes the crown for the lowest rate of alcohol-related prescriptions with a paultry 24 handed out for every 100,000 people, a staggering 58 times less than our City.

The study also exposes a clear dividing line between North and South with the capital issuing just 189 prescriptions (seven times less than Salford), the South just 238 and the Midlands handing out 251.

The rest of the North didn't fare too much better as neighbouring Manchester chalked up 962 cases being beaten into fourth place by North Cumbria and Norwich.

Salford: 1,403

North Cumbria: 1,120

Norwich: 1,111

Manchester: 962

Rotherham: 931

Sheffield: 900

North Tyneside: 877 

Trafford: 834

Blackpool: 813 

The cost of these prescriptions in 2017 has been revealed to be in excess of  £4.42 million in England with approximately £173,000 prescriptions dispensed.

A massive increase on a decade ago when the cost was almost £2 million less.

The figures also show the impact that alcohol consumption is having on the already overstretched NHS with 5,507 deaths in 2016 and a staggering 337,000 admissions to hospital caused by drinking.

Earlier in May, it was revealed that Salford had the highest rate of hospital admissions for alcoholism in England, with 7,330 admissions in 2016/17.

So what is fueling such high numbers? Well according to Professor Colin Drummond, an expert in addiction psychiatry at King's College in London, the issue is with deprivation experienced by the North. He has called for more government spending on treating alcoholism.

He said:

Quote

“Alcohol problems are associated with deprivation, which we know to be worse in the North than in the South.

“Until treatment becomes a priority for governments, the gap is not going to get any narrower.”

 

Salford City Council has responded by praising local substance misuse services which it says were rated “outstanding” following the latest inspection.