SOUTHAMPTON’S NHS has been “crippled” with the highest ever alcohol-related hospital admissions, data has revealed.

The Government’s Office for Health Improvement & Disparities has released new official statistics showing that in 2019-20, alcohol-related hospital admissions hit a record-breaking high in Southampton.

A total of 8,088 people were admitted into hospital in 2019-20 – the highest on record – rising from 6,670 the previous year.

Of these, 5,715 were male and 2,374 were female admissions.

This is the fourth consecutive annual rise in alcohol-related hospital admissions in the area, up from 4,386 in 2017-18 and 4,199 in 2016-17.

Analysis of the Government’s data has been carried out by alcohol-addiction experts UKAT.

Nuno Albuquerque, head of treatment at UKAT, said: “Southampton hospital was hit with over 8,000 alcohol-related admissions in 2019-20, the highest on record.

“The problem here is worsening and is putting a lot of strain on the NHS.

“We’d hope that Southampton City Council would now look at these figures and take real, effective action. We’re also calling on the Government to reinstate ring fenced budgets for awareness, education and treatment of alcohol related problems which will force the council into spending the money on these services.

“If they don’t, the problem with alcohol in Southampton could become a much bigger beast to tame in the next couple of years than anyone could imagine.”

UKAT’s analysis shows that in 2019-20, 648 people were admitted for alcoholic liver disease, up 22 per cent on the previous year.

A total of 4,353 people were admitted for mental and behavioural disorders due to alcohol in 2019-20, up 26 per cent on the previous year.

A total of 1,842 people were admitted for alcohol-related cardiovascular disease, up 15 per cent on the previous year.

The remaining admissions are for alcohol-related unintentional injuries and intentional self-poisoning by and exposure to alcohol.