UK first for Wirral as 'early warning' alcohol screening launched in pharmacies » Communities » 24dash.com

Wirral Primary Care Trust is the first NHS organisation in the country to launch alcohol screening and a short treatment service through pharmacies.

Wirral PCT launched the ‘Alcohol Screening and Brief Intervention Programme’ in GP surgeries throughout the borough last year - the first of its kind anywhere in the UK. Now the service has been extended into pharmacy settings.

Alcohol screening and brief intervention makes it possible for people to be assessed as either a ‘safe’, ‘hazardous’ or ‘harmful’ drinker – so that an early diagnosis can be made to prevent long-term damage before it occurs.

The service encourages customers to sit down in a relaxed and confidential environment and complete a short questionnaire about their alcohol consumption.  Pharmacy staff will then offer appropriate advice and information based on their answers – they also provide a follow-up service by telephoning to see how you are getting on.

Wirral PCT will be supporting all of Wirral’s 86 pharmacies in providing this service as part of the borough’s Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy 2007 – 2010. So far, 56 pharmacies have signed up to the programme, with the service already underway at 13 locations across Wirral. 

Andy Mills, Head of Partnership and Engagement at Wirral PCT, said: “This is a great example of how a PCT can take direct, positive action, using a number of contact points to reach patients in the community.

"Wirral is leading the way nationally and many pharmacists have already started running routine alcohol screenings.  Wirral PCT is now looking to get all pharmacies involved in providing this service.”

Tee Weinronk, Pharmaceutical Advisor for Wirral PCT, added: “Broadening this important service to pharmacies will help highlight drinking issues to more people in our community. Because pharmacies are open for longer hours, including weekends and some late at night, it is a good opportunity to offer this service to customers during their short wait while prescriptions are being dispensed as well as offering advice on other healthcare issues.”

The service will provide free and confidential alcohol screenings for anyone who is worried  they might be drinking more than the daily recommended limits. They will offer advice on a range of questions you may have.

Kathy Doran, Chief Executive of Wirral PCT, and Chairman of Wirral’s Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT), added: “Excessive drinking and alcohol misuse is one of the biggest problems currently facing the NHS nationally.

"Wirral’s Alcohol Screening and Intervention Programme is our response to the Government’s alcohol strategy and is already seeing some dramatic results. At Wirral PCT, we were recently commended for our innovative approaches and forward thinking culture by the Health Service Journal by winning Primary Care Organisation of the Year.

"I strongly believe that this is another excellent example of our commitment to effectively address important public health issues relating to alcohol consumption.”