Wirral drink tests are first in country
Jun 17 2008 by Liam Murphy, Liverpool Daily Post
WIRRAL’S Primary Care Trust is the first NHS organisation in the country to launch an alcohol screening and treatment service through pharmacies across the borough.
Wirral PCT launched the Alcohol Screening and Brief Intervention Programme in GP surgeries throughout the borough last year – also the first of its kind anywhere in the UK.
Andy Mills, head of partnership and engagement at Wirral PCT, said it was “a great example” of how a PCT can take direct, positive action, using a number of contact points to reach patients in the community.
He said: “Wirral is leading the way nationally, and many pharmacists have already started running routine alcohol screenings. Wirral PCT is now looking to get all pharmacies involved in providing this service.”
Alcohol screening and “brief intervention” makes it possible for people to be assessed as either a safe, hazardous or harmful drinker – so that an early diagnosis can be made to prevent long-term damage before it occurs.
The service encourages customers to sit down in a relaxed and confidential environment and complete a short questionnaire about their alcohol consumption.
Pharmacy staff will then offer appropriate advice and information based on their answers – they also provide a follow-up service by telephoning to see how customers are getting on.
Wirral has among the highest rates anywhere in the UK for adult binge drinking, and has the fourth-highest number of alcohol-related hospital admissions, and, in Merseyside, more than 50% of men are known to drink too much on a continual basis.
Wirral PCT says it will be supporting all of Wirral’s 86 pharmacies in providing this service as part of the borough’s Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy 2007 – 2010.
So far, 56 pharmacies have signed up to the programme, with the service already under way at 13 locations.
Tee Weinronk, pharmaceutical advisor for Wirral PCT, added: “Broadening this important service to pharmacies will help highlight drinking issues.”
Kathy Doran, chief executive of Wirral PCT, and chairman of Wirral’s Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT), added: “Wirral’s Alcohol Screening and Intervention Programme is already seeing some dramatic results.”
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