Almost 150 fewer alcohol-related admissions at UHNM last year thanks to specialist nursing team

Angela Hulstone, Lead Alcohol Liaison Nurse at UHNM

A nurse-led alcohol support team has helped to avoid hundreds of potential emergency admissions at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) last year. 

Latest figures from UHNM’s Alcohol Care Team (ACT) shows 408 primary alcohol-related admissions at the Royal Stoke University Hospital in 2024, down from 549 during the previous year. 

Last year the service helped more than 2,500 patients by providing specialist assessments for those with alcohol dependency, up from just over 2,000 in 2022. 

Angela Hulstone, Lead Alcohol Liaison Nurse at UHNM said: “Alcohol increases your risk of cancer, particularly bowel and breast, as well increasing the likelihood of stroke and heart problems. Alcohol-related admissions are a big issue at UHNM, and we have some of the highest rates of alcohol attendances in the country. 

“The ACT is all about getting the right support to the right patients at the right time. The team aims to prevent unnecessary admissions by identifying patients in the Royal Stoke’s Emergency Department who attend with an alcohol issue. After an assessment by one of our specialist nurses, we help determine the safest course of treatment for the patient, be that hospital admission or a discharge home with the support of our community service partners.”

Set up in 2010, the Alcohol Care Team is made up of specialist alcohol liaison nurses and alcohol support workers. 

Angela said: “The Royal Stoke has a lot of repeat alcohol attendees, so we are working hard to address the reasons why these patients re-attend and are developing new pathways to address this. We know how difficult it is to achieve abstinence for individuals who have an alcohol dependence, so the team work with patients to motivate change and get them the support they need in the community.

“The team's long-term ambition is to reduce alcohol related harms for those not drinking at dependent levels. This can be achieved by UHNM screening patients for their alcohol use and delivering brief advice if they are drinking at levels that may cause them harm. One in eight patients who receive our advice will reduce their drinking to safer levels.

“I am so proud of the team and what we’ve accomplished, they are so passionate about their patient group and reducing the stigma of addiction."