Maintain pressure on reforms to protect NHSIncrease alcohol prices to tackle alcohol-related health problems, say NHS staff
An overwhelming majority of doctors and nurses think alcohol should be sold at a higher price to tackle alcohol-related health problems, latest survey results have shown.
The ‘snapshot’ survey of 205 doctors and nurses, carried out by the Royal College of Physicians and the Royal College of Nursing, found that four out of five believe that if alcohol was more expensive, there would be a decrease in consumption.
The report, published today, also that found 84% of staff think public health campaigns are not effective, and 71% believe that greater investment in treatment services is needed.
At the launch of his annual report in March, the chief medical officer for England, Sir Liam Donaldson, recommended that the government should set a minimum price of 50p per alcohol unit.
The minimum price would mean a standard bottle of wine would cost at least £4.50, and the average six pack of lager would be sold at £6.00.
Chief executive of the Royal College of Nursing, Dr Peter Carter, said: ‘Nurses have said time and time again that the government must take more drastic action to tackle the growing issue of alcohol misuse.
‘Better regulation of the labelling, sale and advertising of alcoholic drinks, as well as widespread education on the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption, is needed to curb this significant problem.’
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Readers' comments (1)
Anonymous | 8-Apr-2009 9:19 am
I don't think they should put the prices of alcohol up. It won't stop people buying it, infact it will make them more unhealthy because people will buy it instead of food.
Also I like to have a glass of wine when I'm not working, I don't go mad, but I don't think I should be penalised because some people like to drink to excess.
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