ALCOHOL related hospital admissions have increased in Solihull by nearly 60 per cent in nine years.
This is despite Solihull council’s effective approach at addressing alcohol related issues.
Hospital admissions have increased by 56 per cent since 2008/09, according to the Substance Misuse Needs Assessment 2017/18.
It is estimated there are around 1,800 adults with alcohol dependence in need of specialist treatment in the borough.
The Solihull Integrated Addiction Service (SIAS) is a partnership between four organisations jointly responsible for the delivery of the drug, alcohol and gambling addiction treatment in the borough.
Solihull has a higher proportion of clients in treatment than the national average – 71 per cent compared to 56 per cent nationally.
The number of adults in treatment as a proportion of the estimated number requiring treatment is called ‘penetration’.
Solihull is ranked first of all 151 local authorities with 45 per cent of those requiring it receiving treatment.
The integrated approach pursued by the council in conjunction with other health care providers is also succeeding in treating addiction to other substances.
Cabinet member for adult social care and health, Karen Grinsell, said: “Prevention and early intervention is the key, the earlier someone makes contact for help the better the outcome will be for themselves and their families.
“For every 100 alcohol dependent people treated we can prevent 18 A&E attendances and 22 hospital admissions.
“The SIAS Fast Service is also helping other health services as the intensive multi agency case management of clients has resulted in a reduction in ambulance call outs.
“Partnership working has been instrumental in the success of the SIAS service between Solihull council and Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust.”
Around a quarter of Solihull adults being treated for alcohol addiction in the last year live with children under the age of 18, council figures show.
Solihull Council’s Integrated Addiction Services (SIAS) run a Hidden Harm Service to assist young people who are negatively affected by their parents’ addiction.
The latest figures show nearly 100 young people have sought support from the service from April last year to February this year.
A total of 92 who have applied for support in the last year have a child under the age of 18 – this is out of 351 who applied.
This represents 26 per cent which is three per cent above the national average.
The news comes as Public Health England (PHE) announced it will finance up to eight local authorities to implement informed interventions to improve outcomes for children whose parents are dependent on alcohol.
A total of £4.5million is available and Solihull council confirmed it will apply if it meets criteria.
