The British Liver Trust has joined more than 70 organisations working across Scotland to demand urgent action from the Scottish government to introduce critical measures to cut numbers of alcohol-related deaths, which are at the highest level in 15 years.
As the Scottish Government sets out its plans for the coming year, the collective of over 70 organisations including Alcohol and Drug Partnerships, charities, recovery groups and Medical Royal Colleges have set out a range of measures, which include asking extending tests to detect liver disease at an early stage in at-risk individuals in the community. Existing projects have shown that this works effectively as well as being cost-effective.
Pamela Healy OBE, Chief Executive, British Liver Trust commented:
“Too many people are diagnosed with liver disease when it’s too late for effective treatment, yet we know that alcohol related liver disease can be reversed if it’s identified early enough. Research has shown that with the correct support, many patients are able to stop drinking. If we can find those people who are most at-risk of alcohol related liver disease, before it’s too late for them, and ensure that they receive the right intervention and support at the right time, this will not only save countless lives, it will also reduce growing pressures on an already stretched NHS.
We also need to see the urgent introduction of much bolder measures to restrict the availability, advertising and accessibility of alcohol. Scotland led the way in 2018 by becoming the first country in the world to introduce minimum unit pricing for alcohol, but that was only this is the first step. As the latest figures show, much more action is needed now to reduce the damaging effects of alcohol and to cut the numbers of premature deaths from liver disease.
This is a health crisis that needs urgent attention. Scotland has led the way with alcohol restrictions before, and Scotland needs to lead the way again.”
Alcohol is responsible for around 80% of liver disease deaths in Scotland, and with those in the most deprived areas 5.5 times more likely to die as a result of alcohol-related liver disease, targeted action to curb the growing numbers of deaths must be prioritised.
The measures recommended by the collective include earlier detection to identify those at risk of developing liver disease as a result of alcohol, and improved support services. They also call for the development of a preventative strategy that, when put into action, would reduce alcohol harm.
