Project
Coventry Alcohol Hospital Liaison Service
Description:
The Swanswell alcohol related Hospital Liaison Service was launched as a pilot project for 12 months in 2003. At first provided on a part-time basis, it was incorporated into the main commissioning programme of the Coventry Community Safety Partnership, Coventry City Council and local PCT as a result of its success.
From its inception, the service has been supplied by Swanswell, a national charity that helps people overcome alcohol, drug or other problem behaviour. The service is provided by a full-time alcohol health worker, who is a Swanswell Senior Practitioner. This health worker has firmly established the liaison service at Coventry’s 1,200-bed University Hospital, Coventry, (University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire Trust) where it has been recognised as providing “an invaluable resource.”
Working with ward staff to identify every admission that may be related to alcohol, the Alcohol Health Worker will introduce themself to the patient at a suitable moment and make them aware that help is available when they are ready.
For some patients, being in hospital is the first time they have ever reflected on the effect drinking is having on their health and the impact their behaviour is having on those around them. For many it is also a turning point, marking the start of their road to recovery.
Project status: Ongoing
Project type: Project
Project code: 2L3T