00:00Hospitals across Liverpool are introducing a zero-alcohol policy designed to reduce alcohol-related harm and create safer environments for
00:08patients, visitors, staff, volunteers and contractors.
00:12The policy forms part of the wider Hospital Watch partnership led by Liverpool City Council and NHS organisations.
00:20University Hospitals of Liverpool Group includes Aintree, Broad Green, Liverpool Heart and Chest, Liverpool Women's, The Royal and Community Services.
00:29Alcohol will not normally be permitted on hospital premises, although limited clinical exceptions remain in specific circumstances.
00:37Hospital Watch was developed after concerns about alcohol being available close to hospital sites and the risks this created during
00:44treatment and recovery.
00:46The programme combines staff training, awareness campaigns and work with nearby licensed retailers to discourage alcohol sales to hospital patients.
00:54Test purchasing exercises involving volunteers posing as patients found refusal rates increased from around one-third before the initiative to
01:04four-fifths afterwards.
01:06Survey results also showed strong public backing, with most patients supporting the partnership approach across Liverpool hospitals.
01:14Health leaders say the policy also recognises alcohol dependence as a medical condition, requiring compassionate treatment.
01:21Specialist assessment, withdrawal support and referrals remain available through the Alcohol Care Team.
01:26We're trained staff encouraged to offer advice and appropriate support where needed.
Comments