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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.

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Thursday, September 13, 2007

Reducing inequalities in health outcomes - seminar with the Rt Hon Alan Johnson MP

Wednesday 12th September 2007.
Toynbee Hall, London E1.

Guest speaker The Rt Hon Alan Johnson MP, Secretary of State for Health

This event formed part of The New Health Network health inequalities project, launched in 2006, which explores the role that all health services play in reducing inequalities in health outcomes.

The meeting gave senior NHS clinicians, managers and others the opportunity to hear from the new Secretary of State for Health about his ideas on tackling health inequalities, and for participants to put their questions and comments to the meeting.

Excerpt on alcohol

". . . . . Alcohol is a more complex issue than tobacco. In moderation, it enriches our culture and enhances our life. But alcohol misuse is a menace to society and communities. Although there has been a reduction in recent years, the long term trend shows a dramatic increase in alcohol consumption, alcohol related illness and alcohol related deaths.

In 1960, the French drank nearly three times as much alcohol as us. Today, we drink more than them.

Every man dying from alcohol related causes loses an average 21 years from his life and a women loses 15 years.

Alcohol misuse leads to a number of chronic conditions, including coronary heart disease, diabetes, stroke and cancer; it places a massive burden on GPs and local hospitals; and it is also a prime trigger of crime, disorder and violence in our communities.

Nowhere does alcohol have a more destructive effect than in deprived communities, which suffer three times the number of alcohol related deaths and hospital admissions.

We have a new alcohol strategy in place, but over the next few months, I want to look at whether we this can do more to tackle inequalities in alcohol consumption and harm. We will double our spend on alcohol campaigns next year, and I will make it a priority to ensure that this campaign specifically targets hard to reach deprived areas."
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Read Full Speech

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