The North West Coast Academic Health Science Network (NWC AHSN) is set to explore the issues that alcohol abuse poses to the healthcare sector at their quarterly ecosystem event.

The half day conference will take place at the Select Security Stadium in Widnes on July 14th and will address how the NHS can reduce the number of alcohol related admissions to hospitals. The event will also look at the use of emergency and urgent care services in cases of alcohol abuse and consider solutions that may reduce attendance.

Attended by industry and public sector experts, business, and academia, the event will discuss the current system for alcohol A&E attendances and the challenges faced by services. Attendees will be invited to listen to expert presenters, including Professor Sir Ian Gilmore, who will talk about current treatment strategies and explore potential opportunities for improvement and innovation in the sector. Debate will be encouraged in considering delivering technology solutions that can prevent admissions and how these may be developed further.

Dr Liz Mear, chief executive of the NWC AHSN, said:

“Alcohol abuse is placing increased pressure on our hospitals and emergency services and it’s critical that we target the root of the problem, rather than attempting to come up with short-term reactive solutions.  Unfortunately, it is a growing problem and alcohol-related illness currently makes up ten percent of the UK disease burden as well as being the cause of six percent of road causalities and nearly one in five road deaths.

“This event will bring together experts in the field, including public sector workers, industry partners, and academics, to share information and explore new, innovative ways in which to collaboratively tackle this critical issue.”

Currently, it is estimated that alcohol-related harm in England costs the health sector over £20 billion each year. Although it is a national concern, alcohol abuse in North West remains a significant problem with 11 out of the 18 areas in the NWC AHSN region displaying higher morbidity and mortality rates compared with the national average.

The event will be held as part of the NWC AHSN’s ecosystem events. Hosted every four months, the ecosystem brings together representatives from the NHS, local councils, academic organisations and industry to work together and tackle health challenges by encouraging the uptake of connected technological healthcare solutions.

For more information about the event, including how to book a place, please visit: www.nwcahsn.nhs.uk.