Back to photostream

5th NWC Ecosystem

The North West Coast Academic Health Science Network (NWC AHSN) explored the issues that alcohol abuse poses to the healthcare sector at their quarterly ecosystem event held on 14th July at Select Security Stadium in Widnes.

 

Attended by more than 100 industry and public sector experts, businesses, and academia, the event discussed the current system for alcohol A&E attendances and the challenges faced by services.

 

Presenters included Professor Sir Ian Gilmore, Chairman, Liverpool Health Partners, Professor Mike Pearson, Professor of Clinical Evaluation, University of Liverpool and Ali Wheeler, Director, Drink Wise.

 

Dr Liz Mear, chief executive of the NWC AHSN, said: “Alcohol abuse is placing increased pressure on our hospitals and emergency services and it’s critical that we target the root of the problem, rather than attempting to come up with short-term reactive solutions. Unfortunately, it is a growing problem and alcohol-related illness currently makes up ten percent of the UK disease burden as well as being the cause of six percent of road causalities and nearly one in five road deaths.

 

“This event brought together experts in the field, including public sector workers, industry partners, and academics, to share information and explore new, innovative ways in which to collaboratively tackle this critical issue.”

 

Currently, it is estimated that alcohol-related harm in England costs the health sector over £20 billion each year. Although it is a national concern, alcohol abuse in North West remains a significant problem with 11 out of the 18 areas in the NWC AHSN region displaying higher morbidity and mortality rates compared with the national average.

 

The event was held as part of the NWC AHSN’s ecosystem events. Hosted every four months, the ecosystem brings together representatives from the NHS, local councils, academic organisations and industry to work together and tackle health challenges by encouraging the uptake of connected technological healthcare solutions.

116 views
0 faves
0 comments
Uploaded on August 13, 2015
Taken on July 14, 2015