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Written question asked by Jim Cunningham (Labour) on Friday, 5 July 2019, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 10 July 2019 (named day). It was answered by Seema Kennedy (Conservative) on Wednesday, 10 July 2019 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Alcoholic Drinks: Misuse

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps the Government is taking to fund at least one alcohol care team or specialist in every hospital.

Answer

As part of the NHS Long Term Plan, we are establishing specialist Alcohol Care Teams (ACTs) in hospitals with the highest rates of alcohol harm. It is estimated that this will prevent 50,000 admissions over five years.

All clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) have been allocated a Health Inequalities Funding Supplement contribution to their indicative baselines. NHS England and NHS Improvement, through the Long Term Plan, have highlighted the evidence base for ACTs and indicated that where required, commissioners should utilise monies from this funding supplement to close health inequality gaps associated with alcohol dependence.

Additionally, for those areas with the highest levels of demand, additional targeted monies will be invested directly to ensure the provision of optimal ACTs starting from 2020/21.

Local authorities will also receive over £3 billion in 2019/20 to be used exclusively on public health including alcohol treatment services.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
273736
Session
2017-19
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Alcoholic drinks Health services Finance Misuse
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk