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The number of people admitted to St Helier Hospital with alcohol-related illnesses and injuries has jumped by 50% in the past two years – prompting the launch of a new specialist service to support patients with problem drinking and those suffering from alcohol-related conditions.

Figures show that in 2013, 247 people needed to stay overnight at St Helier Hospital because of alcohol consumption, rising to 332 in 2014 and hitting a high of 370 patients in 2015.

Additional support for patients with alcohol misuse issues is now available, thanks to the hospital’s new Alcohol Liaison Service – an initiative that has been commissioned by the London Borough of Sutton, developed in partnership with South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust, and will be led by recently recruited specialist nurse Sarah Moloi.

Sarah said: “Hospital records show that over the last two years we have seen a significant increase in the number of people referred or admitted because of harmful or hazardous drinking and alcohol-related problems. Excessive drinking and dependency on alcohol can have a significant impact on a person’s health and wellbeing, not just physically but mentally as well. It is incredibly important that we are able to offer these people the right kind of help at the right time.

“Often, individuals are not aware of the damage alcohol can do, so a big part of my job is to raise awareness and help people understand the impact their drinking is having. It is important that people are able to make the connection between their drinking habits and why they may have ended up in hospital – in order to treat their health issues and achieve the best possible outcome, we need to provide the right support and treatment to address their use of alcohol.

The new service, which will provide support to those drinking above recommended weekly limits, those with alcohol dependency and patients with alcohol-related physical illnesses, has got off to a busy start. As staff have got to know Sarah, the number of referrals of patients with problem drinking has increased, with up to 10 new cases each week. Sarah also advises staff on how to treat patients with alcohol-related problems. She explained: “In order to provide the help that is needed, it is essential to understand individual cases, including that person’s history and relationship with alcohol, and to work closely with them to help them recognise what is happening and what help is available. 

“Although the journey may begin with me in the hospital, it is also about signposting to and linking people with the support that is available in the community to ensure that they continue to receive the help they need, even after they have left the hospital. One of our key aims is to encourage and empower people to take control of their own health, and to provide them with the awareness and support that they will need to keep this going in the long term.” 

Dr Jim Bolton, Clinical Lead for Liaison Psychiatry, said: “We are really pleased to be offering this service in partnership with South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust, and are delighted to welcome Sarah, who has over 13 years’ experience working in an inpatient addiction unit, to the team.

“We know that alcohol dependency and harmful drinking can put a huge strain on every aspect of a person’s life, including the relationship they have with their loved ones, and so it’s important that we can offer our full support to patients in our hospital. This is a valuable opportunity that we hope will be of great benefit to those whose health is suffering as a result of alcohol, and to those people who perhaps do not even realise their drinking has become a problem.”

For more information and guidance about drinking responsibly, including alcohol unit guidelines, please visit www.drinkaware.co.uk.