Listen
Lothian alcohol hospital admissions
23/09/2008
Figures released today continue to show the scale of the problem of alcohol misuse in Scottish communities.
The number of people admitted to hospital in Lothian with a diagnosis of alcohol poisoning has increased by half over the last 10 years, with admissions rising from 682 in 1997-98 to 934 in 2006-07.
Those under the age of 24, accounted for nearly a quarter (22.6 per cent) of hospital admissions.
Public Health Minister Shona Robison said:
"These figures are another reminder of the grip alcohol misuse has on Scotland.
"Alcohol misuse costs the NHS £2.25 billion each year - it's affecting our health system, our justice system and our economy.
"Our proposals to tackle the problem of alcohol misuse are bold. They include raising the off-sales alcohol purchase age to 21 - based upon a series of highly successful local pilots - as well as minimum pricing for alcohol and a crackdown on irresponsible off-sales promotions.
"Now that the consultation period has ended, we'll analyse responses before setting out the way forward, which we will do later this year."