Jo Webber, deputy director of policy and director of the Ambulance Service Network at the NHS Confederation, responds to NICE guidance on reducing alcohol-related harm.
She said:
“Given the facts it is hard to ignore the call made by NICE for a national minimum unit price for alcohol.
“Treatment available on the NHS will remain only part of the response in tackling misuse of alcohol. Proper consideration must be given to society’s drinking habits as a whole.
“The NHS has a part to play to ensure treatment is provided for those whose health suffers as a result of too much alcohol but the rising numbers of people admitted to hospital because of addiction and binge drinking is putting an unsustainable pressure on our health service. An examination of our attitude towards alcohol is well-overdue.”