More people are being admitted to Portsmouth's Queen Alexandra Hospital for alcohol problems since lockdown started

A Freedom of Information request submitted by The News shows that between March 23, 2020, and January 25 this year, there were 2,846 alcohol-related admissions at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Cosham, and a further 1,100 admissions for self-harm or suicide.

These alcohol admissions count for 2.7 per cent of the hospital’s total visits, above the national average of 2.1 per cent.

Cancer and unintentional injuries account for roughly half of all admissions.

Healthcare professionals say these figures serve as a stark reminder to all of us that mental health and alcohol problems are still hugely prevalent during lockdown.

Sue Atkins, senior sister in Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust’s Alcohol Specialist Nurse Service, said: ‘Over the last year patients, many of whom have complex medical needs, have continued to be admitted to hospital due to alcohol-related reasons and need to use our service.

‘If a patient is identified as drinking to an increasing, higher or dependant risk level than a referral is made to our team.

‘The aim of the Alcohol Specialist Nurse Service is to help educate and support people to making the changes needed to improve their health. We work closely with the admission teams and the patient’s care team to improve both their physical and emotional health.

‘As with all health concerns, the sooner someone can get help and advice the better it will be.’

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Leader of Portsmouth City Council, Cllr Gerald-Vernon Jackson, has called upon people in the city to check on their family, friends and neighbours.

With pubs closed for most of the past 12 months due to the pandemic, he believes the figures show a ‘tragic’ increase in the number of people drinking excessively at home.

He said: ‘What you have to remember is this – we have been in lockdown for nearly a year, and in that time people have been shielding, isolated and unable to see their families or friends.

‘Many have lost their jobs, or are on furlough and worried about their future, so even though pubs and bars have been shut, it’s no surprise that some will have turned to drink to ease their discomfort.

‘Please keep a close eye on people you know, because you never know who might be struggling and needs a friendly face to talk to in these difficult times.’

Last year The News reported that one alcoholic in Portsmouth feared that lockdown had given some people ‘the excuse to drink more’, as Alcoholics Anonymous revealed calls to its phonelines had increased by 35 per cent in the first quarter of 2020.

Daniel Warren-Holland, Solent Mind’s head of service in Portsmouth, added that the figures are a poignant reminder that people do need an extra helping hand during this pandemic.

He said: ‘Sadly, there are lots of people needing urgent care for their mental health and these figures reflect that.

‘There are also many more people out in the community who may be feeling low due to the pandemic and need extra support.

‘We have a support line at Solent Mind with mental health experts on hand to help those who need support, advice or a listening ear.’

If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article you can talk to your GP, phone 111 or text SHOUT to 85258. Solent Mind’s support line is on 023 8017 9049.

Alternatively you can call the Samaritans on 116 123, email [email protected] or visit the website. There is also a list of local services available here.