By Brodie Gettins

NEW statistics from an NHS report for 2016-17 have revealed that there were 36,235 alcohol-related hospital admissions in Scotland.

A new NHS statistical report said:

“In 2016-17 the alcohol-related stay rate per 100,000 population in general acute hospitals was 685.2, an increase compared to the previous year (673.2).”

Last year, more than 24,000 Scots landed in hospital due to alcohol consumption. This number is equal to more than 100 per day.

The report also highlighted that people from the most deprived areas are almost eight times more likely to need hospital help than those in wealthier areas. This group was also over 15 times more likely to be admitted to a psychiatric hospital because of drinking than people from the least deprived areas.

Public Health Minister Aileen Campbell said:

“Increasing hospital stays and liver disease are deeply worrying.

“This data shows that age, gender and social standing are no barrier to excessive consumption and, with alcohol-related deaths rising earlier this year, there has never been a clearer demonstration of the need for minimum unit pricing.”

This report comes ahead of Nicola Sturgeon announcing the new minimum alcohol pricing, which is hoped to tackle the misuse.

Scottish Health Secretary, Shona Robinson, has announced that the plan will commence May 1 2018. Consultation on 50p per unit will be published next week.