A project which helps alcoholics in Peterborough has been shortlisted for a national award.
The Hospital Alcohol Liaison Project (HALP) is a finalist in the prestigious Health Service Journal (HSJ) awards for its work in reducing re-admissions for patients with alcohol related health issues.
It links alcohol liaison workers from Drinksense with Peterborough City Hospital and works with patients throughout their time in hospital and after discharge.
Dr Mary Ninkovic, consultant gastroenterologist at Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are delighted that the HALP team in Peterborough has been shortlisted for this prestigious award.
“We have seen this personalised service grow from small beginnings where three years ago a single alcohol counsellor would attend our liver clinic, to now almost blanket cover, with counsellors seeing patients on all hospital wards.
“Unfortunately, problems with alcohol continue to grow both locally and nationally. The HALP team works closely and flexibly with, in particular, the hepatology service to reduce readmissions to hospital, particularly in those patients with significant alcoholic liver disease.”
Christine Greer, chief executive at Drinksense, said: “We have been pleased to work with the local NHS on this project. The project brings community based services to the patient and supports them through to discharge and beyond.
“This work dispels many beliefs about changing drinking behaviour and gives a real opportunity to make those changes regardless of where anyone is in their drinking ‘career’.”
The award ceremony takes place at The Grosvenor House Hotel, London on November 20.
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