BSG BACKS HEALTH SELECT COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS ON ALCOHOL AND CALLS FOR URGENT GOVERNMENT ACTION

The British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) welcomes the recommendations in today’s report from the House of Commons Select Committee on alcohol. However, the BSG is calling for the urgent and long overdue implementation by the Government so that the dire consequences of alcohol-related ill health in the UK can begin to be addressed.

Commenting on the report BSG President Professor Chris Hawkey said:

“The BSG, whose members frequently deal with the most serious cases, have for a long time been calling for urgent action to be taken to address the ever increasing tide of alcohol-related ill health that is being seen in hospital wards throughout the UK.

“We welcome the Committee’s report and the focussed and effective recommendations as an important contribution to the debate and clear backing for what the clinical community has been calling for some time. Minimum unit pricing is a well targeted measure that prevents marketing of alcohol at irresponsibly low promotional prices whilst having little effect on standard prices. Arguments that a minimum price harms the majority of moderate drinkers should now be laid to rest.

“A joined up policy approach to alcohol-related ill health which comprises a minimum unit price, targeted fiscal measures and independent regulation of alcohol advertising and promotion will go a long way to addressing harmful drinking.

“At the same time, and of particular concern to the BSG and its members, is a need to improve the delivery of alcohol services at all levels of care so that harmful and problem drinkers receive the care and service they require as early as possible. Early detection and intervention are paramount to prevent patients presenting on our wards with serious cases of alcoholic liver disease, cirrhosis or pancreatitis.

“The BSG is currently in the process of preparing a report which addresses the workforce requirements for a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach to delivering patient centred, high quality and cost-effective alcohol services in Britain’s hospitals. We expect to publish this report later in the year.”

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors

The British Society of Gastroenterology is an organisation focused on the promotion of high standards in clinical services, research, training and education in gastroenterology and hepatology within the UK. It has over three thousand members drawn from the ranks of physicians, surgeons, pathologists, radiologists, scientists, nurses, dietitians, and others interested in the field. Founded in 1937 it has grown from a club to be a major force in British medicine.

The written submission to the Health Select Committee from the British Society of Gastroenterology and the British Association for the study of the Liver can be viewed here: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/cmselect/cmhealth/368/368we21.htm

For further information please contact:

Richard Gardner or Surinder Kaur Gill at Luther Pendragon on 0207 618 9100 / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it