London, England – New data on alcohol-related mortality and hospital admissions in England has been released, providing valuable insights into the impact of alcohol on public health. The updated indicators cover a range of alcohol-related statistics, including mortality rates, hospital admissions, and regional variations.
Alcohol-specific mortality in 2021 saw 20,970 deaths in England, with the highest rates in the North East region and the lowest in the East of England. Chronic liver disease accounted for 7,872 of these deaths, highlighting the significant burden alcohol places on public health. Additionally, there were 342,795 hospital admissions solely due to alcohol in the same period, with men accounting for double the number of admissions compared to women.
The data also revealed disparities in alcohol-related admissions based on gender and deprivation levels. In the most deprived areas, rates of alcohol-related admissions were significantly higher than in less deprived areas. Furthermore, the data highlighted the impact of alcohol on different age groups, with specific admissions for unintentional injuries, mental and behavioral disorders, and intentional self-poisoning due to exposure to alcohol.
Following the Census 2021, the Office for National Statistics is revising population estimates, impacting the accuracy of trend data in the updates. However, the Local Alcohol Profiles for England remains a crucial tool for local authorities and health services to assess alcohol-related harm and plan interventions to improve community health.
The release of the updated indicators provides a comprehensive overview of the state of alcohol-related issues in England, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to address the impact of alcohol on public health. The data will inform decision-making processes at the local level and drive efforts to reduce alcohol-related harm and improve the overall health of communities.