Why is this National Indicator important?
Tackling alcohol-related harm is one of the Scottish Government's key public health priorities. Alcohol-related admissions gives a measure of the amount of harm to physical and mental health that alcohol misuse is causing. Not only is there evidence of the increasingly negative impact alcohol misuse is having on the physical and mental health of individuals, there is also evidence of its effect on wider outcomes such as employment, crime and families.
What will influence this National Indicator?
Alcohol misuse is a complex issue affecting all sectors of society. A wide range of social, cultural and health-related factors influence alcohol-related hospital admissions. These include: accessibility and availability; enforcement of existing drinking laws; education and awareness; early intervention; and the availability and use of appropriate services. All of which are compounded by issues such as deprivation, mental health issues and homelessness.
What is the Government's role?
To develop a long-term strategic approach for tackling alcohol misuse in Scotland. This may include action on accessibility and availability of alcohol, raising public awareness of the negative consequences of excessive drinking and stricter enforcement of existing laws. Significant investment in health improvement initiatives, including the roll out of screening and alcohol interventions across a range of healthcare settings.
How are we performing?
Levels of alcohol related hospital admissions have been increasing. In 2007/08 the rate of alcohol related hospital admissions was 777 per 100,000 population. This represents a 6.6% increase in admissions from 2006/07, when the rate was 729 per 100,000, and a 16.7% increase since 2003/04 when the rate was 666 per 100,000 population.
Source: NHS Information Services Division (ISD Scotland) (SMR01)
Note: Due to a minor change to the coding used to identify alcohol related hospital admissions, figures for years previous to 2007/08 have been revised.
Note: Figures for 2007/08 are provisional.
Methodology
This evaluation is based on: any difference within +/- 1.0% of last year's figure suggests that the position is more likely to be maintaining than showing any change. A decrease of 1.0% or more suggests the position is improving; whereas an increase of 1.0% or more suggests the position is worsening.
For information on general methodological approach, please click here.
Further Information
Scotland Performs Technical Note
Statistics Topic Page
Who are our partners?
NHS Scotland
Local Authorities
Related Strategic Objectives
Healthier
Safer and Stronger
Smarter
Wealthier and Fairer
Greener