McMillan Concerned With Alcohol Related Hospital Discharges

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Monday) voiced his concerns with the news that Inverclyde local authority area has seen a 9% rise in alcohol related hospital discharges. The figures show that in 2004/05 there was 1018 hospital discharges relating to alcohol in Inverclyde and by 2008/09 the figure had risen to 1109.

Mr McMillan said;

"These figures make startling reading and highlight the problem this country faces with alcohol misuse.

"I have raised the issue of alcohol misuse with the Chief Executive of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and the Health Convenor of Inverclyde Council and they are both in agreement with myself that something must be done to address this problem

"Therefore, It is vital that drastic action is taken and I believe the raft of measure being put forward by the Scottish Government in the Alcohol Etc.(Scotland) Bill must be implemented to tackle alcohol misuse and the number of alcohol related hospital discharges.

"This is why introducing a minimum price on the unit sale of alcohol would target the cheap, high strength alcohol and would not affect responsible drinkers.

"I hope that the opposition parties will see sense and back the Scottish Government's proposals and show that we are all serious about tackling alcohol misuse once and for all."