Shock as city alcohol deaths up to twice UK average

Published on Thursday 17 September 2009 09:51

PEOPLE in parts of Edinburgh are twice as likely to die from alcohol abuse than the rest of the country, figures have shown.

In statistics released by the Scottish Government, alcohol-related deaths in Edinburgh Central were put at 226 per cent above the UK average.

Edinburgh North and Leith also shows up badly, with its average 216 per cent higher.

It has led to further calls for change from politicians.

Lothians MSP and former GP Dr Ian McKee said: "We all knew that Scotland had a problem with alcohol, but these distressing figures have just taken the issue to a new level.

"In Edinburgh the situation is less alarming than parts of Glasgow or Dundee, but nevertheless still well above the UK average.

"Edinburgh Central and Edinburgh North & Leith have some of the worst alcohol-related death rates in the country and this cannot be taken lightly."

Three Edinburgh wards – Pentlands, South and West – were below the UK average, among only a handful of Scottish constituencies that were.

Scotland's worst area was in Shettleston, Glasgow, where people are five times more likely to die from alcohol abuse.

Dr Fiona Watson, NHS Lothian's clinical lead for substance misuse directorate, added: "Alcohol misuse is one of the biggest public health issues in Scotland today.

"A wide range of preventative and treatment services are available across Edinburgh and the Lothians. Alcohol screening and brief intervention consultations were introduced last year with almost 90 per cent of GP practices signed up to this initiative.

"Alcohol-related admissions are five to six times more common in our most deprived communities and we have initiatives in the heart of communities most affected."