Alcohol-related health problems in general hospitals

Alcohol-related health problems place a significant burden on general hospitals. Statistics indicate that one in seven acute hospital admissions is a result of alcohol misuse and that one in six attendances at A&E is alcohol related, rising to eight out of 10 at peak times on weekend evenings. Nurses have a role to play in estimating a patient's alcohol use and, if appropriate, providing 'brief intervention' consisting of simple advice and information on sensible drinking.