Commissioners in England are being asked to partake in a survey of alcohol services in hospital settings in England by the National Treatment Agency (NTA). The NTA are to be part of Public Health England (PHE) as of 1st April.
Investment in a variety of models of hospital based alcohol services has increased in recent years, particularly since 2009 Department of Health alcohol guidance identified 'Appoint an Alcohol Health Worker' as a 'High Impact Change'. However the extent, nature and sustainability of these services is unknown.
The survey will provide the first ever national picture of the number and nature of the alcohol services in England’s hospitals and PHE will go on to develop guidance and materials to support the continued development and delivery of such services. Iain Armstrong of the NTA has indicated around half of the key Local Authority areas have completed the survey to date, with the survey remaining open to commissioners until 5th April 2013. > > > > Read More
