MEMORANDUM FROM DR LAURENCE GRUER, CONSULTANT
IN PUBLIC HEALTH MEDICINE, GREATER GLASGOW HEALTH BOARD
I enclose a copy of Greater Glasgow's Draft
Alcohol Strategy[6].
I think the key messages from the strategy are as follows:
1. Alcohol consumption in the area is at
its highest level since the First World War.
2. Alcohol-related problems as measured
by deaths and emergency admissions to hospital have been steadily
increasing over the last 20 years.
3. Serious alcohol-related problems are
10 times more common in the most deprived parts of the area than
the most affluent. This is a greater disparity than for any other
health related problem except those due to illegal drugs.
4. The development of alcohol treatment
services in the area has been at a virtual standstill over the
last 20 years, in stark contrast to those for drug misusers.
5. Well-organised and adequately staffed
alcohol treatment services are both effective and good value for
money in terms of overall savings to society.
6. The strategy outlines a wide range of
service developments designed substantially to increase the provision
of effective help for people with alcohol problems.
7. Whilst a number of useful preventive
measures can be taken at a local level, much depends upon central
government in terms of tax on alcohol and licensing legislation.
The consultation period for the strategy recently
ended. We expect to issue the final version early next year. If
you or members of the Committee wish any further information,
please get in touch.
Dr Laurence Gruer
Consultant in Public Health Medicine
January 2001
6 Alcohol Strategy, Greater Glasgow Health Board,
Summary, July 2000. Not herewith printed. Back
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