How health chiefs are tackling South Tyneside having country's highest rate of alcohol-related hospital admissions in under 18s

Young people in South Tyneside are admitted to hospital as a result of alcohol consumption more than three times that of those in other parts of England.

According to figures from Public Health England the borough has the highest rate of emergency admissions for under 18s admitted with “alcohol-specific conditions” with 100 per 100,000 population.

This is compared to 64.8 per 100,000 across the North East and 34.2 per 100,000 in England.

Council bosses have described the borough’s drinking as a “major public health challenge” with more than 2,700 hospital admissions and 50 alcohol-related deaths every year.

It comes as they look at the benefits of introducing a minimum unit price (MUP) for alcohol, in line with that in Scotland.

The level currently proposed is 50p per unit of alcohol, which would see a bottle of cider triple in price.

Research suggests this would save an average of 144 lives every year in South Tyneside, cut hospital admissions by 222 and save local NHS providers more than half a million pound.

Meanwhile under 18s are being urged to avoid drinking alcohol completely with health chiefs promoting the importance of an “alcohol-free childhood”.

Councillor Tracey Dixon, lead member for independence and wellbeing, said: “We know only too well the importance of reducing the harm associated with alcohol and protecting our children and young people for the future.

“Our latest alcohol strategy aims to reduce the harm caused by alcohol abuse and promotes the Chief Medical Officer's guidance to encourage under 18s to avoid alcohol completely. As part of our approach, Balance, the regional alcohol office on behalf of the local authority, is supporting parents to delay their children's consumption of alcohol for as long as possible.

“Levels of alcohol related hospital admissions are a cause for concern, not just in South Tyneside, but across the region. However, there is a lot of good partnership working underway to help reduce alcohol consumption and the harm it causes in our communities.”

Ryan Swiers, public health consultant for South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, commented: "Whilst nationally we are seeing lower rates of alcohol consumption in young people, we still have high rates of hospital admissions relating to alcohol locally and this is especially true of our young people. The harms associated with excess alcohol consumption are both short and long term and affect individuals, families and communities. As such, our Trust is committed to working as part of a multi-agency response to reducing the harm associated with alcohol, especially in young people, across our communities.

"An alcohol-free childhood is the safest option for our children and young people and responsible drinking amongst adults can help promote a safer drinking culture. Recommended limits for alcohol consumption are 14 units per week for adults. That means around six pints of lager or six small glasses of wine spread across the week."