University Hospitals of Liverpool Group is introducing a Zero Alcohol Policy across hospital sites as part of Hospital Watch, a pioneering partnership initiative developed by Liverpool City Council’s Public Health team, working alongside NHS partners, Trading Standards and local licensed retailers to reduce alcohol-related harm, improve patient safety and support recovery.
The programme was developed following concerns about the availability of alcohol near hospital sites and the risks this can pose to treatment and recovery. Since then, Liverpool has led the way in developing a coordinated response to reduce patient access to alcohol during hospital stays. The initiative has included staff training, targeted communications campaigns and partnership working with local licensed premises to help identify and refuse alcohol sales to hospital patients.
University Hospitals of Liverpool Group brings together Aintree University Hospital, Broadgreen Hospital, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool Women’s Hospital and the Royal Liverpool University Hospital, alongside a host of community services.
The initiative is already demonstrating measurable results. Test purchasing exercises conducted near hospital sites, involving volunteers posing as hospital patients attempting to buy alcohol from nearby retailers, found that refusal rates more than doubled from just 33% at baseline to 80% following targeted engagement and awareness raising.
Public support for the initiative is also high, with 92% of surveyed patients backing the Hospital Watch approach.
The introduction of the Zero Alcohol Policy builds on this wider programme of work and reinforces that alcohol is not permitted on hospital premises. The policy applies to patients, visitors, staff, volunteers and contractors and aims to create a safer healthcare environment by:
- Protecting patients from harmful interactions between alcohol and medication.
- Reducing complications during treatment and recovery.
- Supporting shorter hospital stays and improved health outcomes.
- Improving safety for patients, visitors and staff.
- Providing opportunities to identify people who may benefit from specialist support.
Alcohol-related harm continues to have a significant impact across Liverpool. Alcohol is the leading cause of death and illness among people aged 15 to 49 in the city, contributes to around 4,971 alcohol-specific hospital admissions each year and costs an estimated £331.7 million annually. Nationally, there were 8,274 alcohol-specific deaths in England in 2023 and 339,916 alcohol-specific hospital admissions during 2023/24
The new policy is designed to create a safer environment for patients, visitors and staff while ensuring those affected by alcohol dependence receive appropriate treatment and support.
Patients who require additional support can access specialist assessment, medically managed withdrawal support and referral to community treatment services through the UHL Group’s Alcohol Care Team. Staff across hospital sites are also receiving Identification and Brief Advice (IBA) training to enable supportive conversations about alcohol use and recovery.
While the policy adopts a Zero Alcohol approach on hospital sites, it also recognises alcohol dependence as a serious health condition requiring treatment, support and compassion. Limited clinical exceptions remain for specific circumstances, including some aspects of end-of-life care.
Dr Paul Richardson, Consultant Hepatologist and Clinical Lead for Alcohol Care Services at University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, said:
“Liverpool has a long history of tackling alcohol-related harm, and we know the devastating impact alcohol can have on individuals, families and communities.
“Every year thousands of Liverpool residents require hospital treatment because of alcohol-related illness, while alcohol continues to contribute to avoidable deaths, crime and wider social harm across our city. Alcohol-related harm remains one of the biggest preventable causes of ill health that we see in hospitals.
“This policy is not about punishing people. It is about protecting patients, supporting recovery and creating the safest possible environment for everyone accessing our hospitals.
“Many patients we care for are living with alcohol dependence and complex health conditions. Alongside this zero-tolerance approach, we are strengthening access to specialist support through our Alcohol Care Team and community partners.”
Hospital Watch brings together healthcare services, Liverpool City Council, Trading Standards and local retailers in a shared commitment to reducing harm and improving health outcomes for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.
Professor Matthew Ashton, Director of Public Health for Liverpool City Council, said:
“Alcohol-related harm continues to have a profound impact on health across Liverpool and remains one of the leading causes of preventable illness and premature death.
“The figures are stark. Thousands of Liverpool residents require hospital treatment every year because of alcohol-related conditions, placing significant pressure on our health and care services and affecting individuals, families and communities across the city.
“Hospital Watch is an outstanding example of effective partnership working and prevention in action. The initiative is already demonstrating the value of bringing together health services, local government, Trading Standards and local businesses to identify risks early, share intelligence and take practical steps to reduce alcohol-related harm.
“By strengthening these partnerships and building on the success of Hospital Watch, we can help prevent avoidable hospital admissions, support vulnerable people to access the help they need sooner, and make a meaningful difference to the health and wellbeing of Liverpool residents.”
Find out more on the UHLG website: https://www.uhliverpool.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/zero-alcohol-policy
