RCP head: Alcohol addiction straining the NHS

Professor Ian Gilmore, head of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), has called for more to be done to curb alcoholism in the UK.

Highlighting the findings of a recent RCP and NHS Confederation report, he added that the medical effects of the substance’s misuse cost the NHS £2.7 billion annually.

He stated that this amount has doubled over the last five years as the issue spirals out of control and causes increasing strain on the health service.

“The role of the NHS should not just be about treating the consequences of alcohol-related harm but also about active prevention, early intervention and working in partnership with services in local communities,” Mr Gilmore explained.

These comments come after the NHS launched an iPhone application last month, which informs the user when they have consumed more units than is recommended.

It was introduced as part of the organisation’s Know Your Limits campaign.