One of the key recommendations made in the report is the routine availability of free liver checks, including at GP practices. These checks can identify individuals who are drinking at dangerous levels and detect liver disease before any physical symptoms develop. By implementing this measure, the report argues that prevention and early intervention can be improved.
The statistics presented in the report are alarming. Official figures show that in 2021, 9,641 people died from causes specifically related to alcohol, which is the highest number recorded and 7.4% higher than in 2020. Furthermore, deaths from liver disease alone have increased by 400% since the 1970s and account for the majority of alcohol-related deaths.
Turning Point supports over 14,000 people annually for alcohol-related problems, has seen a rise in referrals for those with end-stage liver disease. This demonstrates the urgent need for wider availability of liver testing to reach individuals before their condition deteriorates and to reduce the strain on the NHS.
The report suggests using FibroScan tests as a quick and painless method of detecting liver damage. These tests can be carried out by healthcare professionals and measure inflammation of the liver. Conducting such tests on a larger scale would enable treatment services to intervene earlier and potentially prevent serious illness.
In addition to liver testing, the report calls for a comprehensive national alcohol strategy. This strategy should include dedicated expertise within the wider healthcare system, covering areas such as mental health and primary care, not just the community drug and alcohol treatment services.
To raise awareness and support hazardous drinkers, the report proposes a government health campaign. This campaign could provide a self-help tool accessible digitally, educating individuals about the negative impact of alcohol and assisting them in reducing or stopping their drinking habits.
Turning Point chief executive Julie Bass said: “Alcohol causes significant and increasing harm to individuals, families and communities. The earlier we can identify liver disease, the earlier we can support individuals to reduce harmful behaviour related to alcohol.
“The scale of harm caused by alcohol suggests this issue should be a national priority.”
Professor Sir Ian Gilmore past president of the Royal College of Physicians, said: “This report lays bare the unacceptably high levels of harm we are facing from alcohol, the costs of which reverberate throughout the NHS and the wider economy.
“This is felt the most in areas already suffering with the highest levels of deprivation. The broader commissioning of liver checks could help reach people who at higher risk of harm but not yet engaged in treatment.”
Read the full report by following this link.