Aims

To support the free and open dissemination of research findings and information on alcoholism and alcohol-related problems. To encourage open access to peer-reviewed articles free for all to view.

For full versions of posted research articles readers are encouraged to email requests for "electronic reprints" (text file, PDF files, FAX copies) to the corresponding or lead author, who is highlighted in the posting.

___________________________________________

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Impact of the new UK licensing law on emergency hospital attendances: a cohort study

Emergency Medicine Journal 2007;24:532-534

To assess the effect of the new UK alcohol licensing law on overnight attendances to the emergency department.

In March 2005 there were 2736 overnight attendances to the ED, of which 79 (2.9%) were classified as alcohol related. In comparison, in March 2006 there were a total of 3135 overnight attendances, of which 250 (8%) were alcohol related, representing a significant increase. There were also significant increases in percentage of alcohol related attendances as a consequence of injury and assault; and in admission rates for alcohol related attendances between the two study periods.

Overnight alcohol related emergency attendances to St Thomas’ hospital increased after the introduction of new alcohol licensing legislation. If reproduced over longer time periods and across the UK as a whole, the additional burden on emergency care could be substantial.

Read Full Abstract

Reprint Request E-Mail: alastair.newton@gstt.nhs.uk

____________________________________________________________

at