01/12/2009

Borders Liberals challenged over alcohol pricing position

Senior NHS clinicians in the Scottish Borders have written to SNP MSP Christine Grahame to highlight their support for the Scottish Government’s policy on minimum pricing for alcohol, prompting Ms Grahame to call on Liberals Democrats to clarify their position on the policy. Ms Grahame who is also Convener of the Scottish Parliament’s Health & Sport Committee which will consider the forthcoming legislation said:

“Six of the Borders leading NHS Gastroenterologists have written to me to express their support for the Scottish Government’s strategy for reducing the harm done by alcohol in our community.

“They have provided me with a range of statistics from the Scottish Society of Gastroenterology showing the clear link between pricing of alcohol and the damage it does. These are the front line NHS staff who are left to deal with the misery and ultimately death that alcohol abuse brings.”
In the letter signed by NHS Borders three senior Consultant Gastroenterologists and three other senior support staff they write:

“A significant proportion of my work as a Gastroenterologist involves caring for patients with alcoholic liver disease. Overall the mortality from cirrhosis of the liver is increasing more rapidly in Scotland than in the rest of the United Kingdom.

“In view of the severity and increasing frequency of alcohol-related medical problems, the Scottish Society of Gastroenterology supports the Government strategy.”
Ms Grahame added:

“The proposed legislation the Scottish Government wants to bring in, a key plank of which is minimum pricing, is currently being blocked by the three main unionist parties in Scotland including the Liberals representing the Scottish Borders, even though the Liberals UK leader, Nick Clegg has given his backing to minimum pricing.

“Jeremy Purvis’ says he is very proud the way the region is “leading the way” in its consumption of alcohol. That is obviously not a view shared by leading NHS clinicians who are left to pick of the pieces of alcohol abuse in our community.

“The Liberals should start to listen to the expert advice on this very serious issue and support plans for minimum pricing as a key element to reducing the harm and major health consequences arising from alcohol abuse.”

SNP It’s time.....