Royal Borough alcohol intervention training scheme 'could save NHS and local authorities millions'

An innovative Royal Borough training scheme for pharmacists could save the NHS and local authorities millions.

That's the independent estimate of the scheme run by the Royal Borough's Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) with NHS Berkshire East to train pharmacists to provide free alcohol advice.

The pilot scheme - launched in the borough in 2010 - is one of five listed in a report by the South East Alcohol Innovation Programme as identifying significant potential cost savings.

The pilot trains pharmacists to:

• raise awareness of 'safe' alcohol consumption levels
• identify the early signs of harmful drinking
• offer advice and referral for additional support to people who have drinking problems.

Cllr Simon Dudley, cabinet member for adult and community services and chairman of the shadow health and wellbeing group, said: "It is fantastic to think that our pilot scheme could potentially save the NHS and local authorities millions of pounds if it were to be rolled out nationally.

"Alcohol misuse affects the health service, social care and the criminal justice system - using money which could be put to more constructive use. Everything we can do to help reduce people's harmful and hazardous drinking is for the good and this Royal Borough pilot has proved to be an effective approach and I am glad its potential has been recognised."

Lorette Sanders, primary care pharmacist at NHS Berkshire East, said: "Berkshire East pharmacies are currently helping around 30 people a month to identify their drinking levels. Half of these people are in the increasing or high risk drinking categories and are offered advice and further support which can make a real difference to their health and the quality of life for them and those around them."

How do you rate this information/service?