Analysis of alcohol detox centre shows savings to NHS

An independent analysis of an alcohol detox centre by academics at the Centre for Public Health (CPH) found that it saves the NHS £1.3m a year. The report comes at a time when alcohol-related admissions to hospital have been increasing in the UK, with one of the major causes being the occurrence of acute withdrawal symptoms.

The team within CPH conducted interviews with both stakeholders and service users to find out more about their experiences and opinions of the Rapid Access to Alcohol Detox Acute Referral (RADAR).

The CPH is part of the LJMU Faculty of Education, Health and Community, supporting multi-disciplinary approaches to public health. The organisation specialises in applied research and educational programmes addressing health issues at all levels from policy development to service delivery. Problem alcohol use is a major public health concern, associated with a wide range of adverse health and social outcomes including alcohol poisoning, unintentional injury, violence and sexual assault.

The outcomes from the RADAR report indicate that six months after discharge, just over half of those who could be contacted reported either being abstinent or being controlled drinkers. This reduction in the levels of alcohol consumption resulted in far fewer contacts with acute hospitals, with reductions in both the number of A&E attendances and nights in hospital being reported. 

The research was reported by BBC Health and on the Victoria Derbyshire programme on BBC Radio 5 live.