'Radical action is needed" to save the NHS, a leading North East health figure has warned during the week the health service has turned 75.
Alice Wiseman, director of public health at Gateshead Council, said that it was time for a "change of approach" and that population wellbeing was seen as more important than "the profit of health harming industry". Ms Wiseman is a leading voice fighting the harm caused by alcohol, heading up the work of the national association of directors of public health on this topic.
This comes as figures from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) highlight how the North East continues to have by far the highest rates of hospital admissions due to liver disease across the country. Our region sees 190.1 people admitted per 100,000 in the population at large.
Campaign group Balance - for whom Ms Wiseman is a key partner - are calling for "urgent evidence-based action" on alcohol, amid what the group says is a picture of "significant health harms and inequality". In the coming week, Balance are to be in Westminster highlighting a report showing the UK public want to see more done on the issue.
On social media this week, Ms Wiseman said; "Radical action is needed to save our NHS. For too long the profit of health harming industry has been put before population wellbeing. If 40% of disease is preventable isn’t it time we changed our approach and put prevention of ill health, and our NHS, before the profit of a few."
She has also backed the "What's the Harm?" campaign - ahead of the school summer holidays - urging North East parents to think twice about giving under-18s alcohol. Ms Wiseman added: "We all want the best for our children and it’s understandable that many parents believe that allowing small quantities of alcohol at home promotes a responsible approach to drinking.
"However, an entirely alcohol-free childhood is the safest choice, as even small amounts can affect the physical and mental health of young people. Starting to drink alcohol at a young age can also cause health problems in later life, with underage drinkers more likely to become heavy drinkers as adults. They’re also more likely to smoke, use drugs and take other risks that could lead to injuries."
She added her advice was for parents to discuss the reasons under-18s can't buy booze with their children - and help them to understand and respect this.
"There are lots of good reasons why the law prohibits under-18s from buying alcohol, so my advice to parents is to talk to your kids and make sure they understand and respect this.”
And across the Tyne, Coun Karen Kilgour, Newcastle City Council deputy leader and health chief, said the council was proud to back the campaign and to raise awareness of the impact of alcohol on child development, adding: "Alcohol consumption before 18 can also increase feelings of stress, anxiety, low self-esteem and depression and can lead to a negative relationship with alcohol in the future. We also know that consuming alcohol can lead to children or young people becoming vulnerable.
"At times the alcohol consumed by children is provided by parents. This campaign will support parents to understand the long-term impact that allowing children to drink alcohol can have."
In response to a May report highlighting increasing alcohol harm, a Government spokesperson said: "We’ve published a 10-year plan for tackling drug and alcohol-related harms and are investing an extra £532m between 2022/23 to 2024/25 to create over 50,000 places in drug and alcohol treatment centres with high-quality care.
"We are also funding specialist alcohol care teams at one in four hospitals, based in those with the greatest need."
