Project need and demand
OHID has published national data regarding alcohol consumption throughout the COVID19 pandemic including the various stages of lockdowns and restrictions. The data demonstrates that nationally in England more of the population report to not consuming any alcohol than before the pandemic. However, there are also more people who are drinking hazardous and harmful levels of alcohol.[1] Research suggests that people who tended to be the heavier drinkers prior to the pandemic, were the most likely to have increased the amount they were consuming.[2] Data, for hospital admissions and mortality, shows that rates have remained higher than pre-pandemic levels, and a potential continuing increase in demand on services.
Older people are an identified group of the population that are at an increased risk of alcohol harm, in part, due to physiological changes mean they have lower tolerance to alcohol. They can take longer to recover from alcohol-related harm and are more likely to have chronic conditions exacerbated by alcohol use. North Tyneside has an ageing population, with projected population estimates showing that there will be a 19.1% increase in the over 65 age group by 2030[3]. This could mean an increased demand for alcohol-related care in this group of the population. This is also reflected in the presentations to treatment, where the most common age group has increased to 50 to 59 years old.
[1] Office for Health Improvement and Disparities. Wider Impacts of COVID-19 on Health (WICH) monitoring tool. Available from: https://analytics.phe.gov.uk/apps/covid-19-indirect-effects/.
[2] Public Health England. Monitoring alcohol consumption and harm during the COVID-19 pandemic: summary. 15th July 2021. Available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/alcohol-consumption-and-harm-during-the-COVID-19-pandemic/monitoring-alcohol-consumption-and-harm-during-the-COVID-19-pandemic-summary
[3] North Tyneside Council. Borough Profile. Available at: https://my.northtyneside.gov.uk/sites/default/files/web-page-related-files/Borough%20Profile%202024.pdf