A council candidate has demanded that tackling alcohol-related deaths among at-risk groups is a top priority for Covid-19 recovery plans, new statistics showed NHS Fife had failed to meet national waiting time standards for treatment, and a new report warned of increased death rates from alcohol among high-risk groups during Covid-19.
Graeme Downie, Scottish Labour candidate for West Fife and Coastal Villages, has called for guarantees of funding and support, highlighting new figures published this week (22 February) showing NHS Fife had failed to meet a national standard that 90% of people referred for problematic drug or alcohol use should wait no longer than three weeks for treatment.
At the same time, Mr. Downie highlighted a report by Public Health Scotland showing increased rates of alcohol-specific deaths during the pandemic among groups already at risk, despite an overall reduction in alcohol consumption and hospitalisations in Scotland.
Mr. Downie said he feared a hidden legacy of alcohol addiction and deaths if action wasn’t taken to guarantee better and fairer treatment.
Commenting on the publication of the statistics and report, Graeme Downie, Scottish Labour candidate for West Fife and Coastal Villages said: “The publication of these statistics and report are more evidence that the pandemic will have long-term consequences for public health. We must demand that Covid-19 recovery plans include better and fairer treatment for those groups most at risk from alcohol related health issues.”
“The Public Health Scotland report shows that while overall consumption and alcohol-related hospitalisations and deaths were down during the pandemic, there were increased deaths among high-risk groups.”
“These people must not be abandoned and support for them should be a top priority as recommended by Public Health Scotland.”
“At the same time, it is disappointing patients in Fife are waiting longer for specialist alcohol and drug when we know the window when someone reaches out for help can close quickly if they don’t receive the right kind of treatment quickly.”
“NHS Fife must work with Fife Council, charities and local community groups to make sure we can deliver a better and fairer service focussed on those most at risk.”