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Photograph Simon Parker 24/12/09
Dr David Hodgkinson at the Ipswich Accident and Emergency department
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ES 26.12.09
Ipswich: We’re here to help all alcohol-related cases – A&E doctor
by Lizzie Parry
Friday, September 21, 2012
11:00 AM
IPSWICH: We’re here to help.
That’s the verdict of one Ipswich Hospital A&E doctor who today said it is his department’s job to look after those who need medical attention – even if they have drunk too much.
His comments come after Ipswich MP Ben Gummer suggested patients who inflict alcohol-induced illness upon themselves should be forced to pick up the bill for their treatment.
David Hodgkinson, a consultant in emergency medicine at the Heath Road trust, said his team was there to help people whatever their illness and regardless of whether it is self-inflicted.
Yesterday, The Star revealed that the number of men and women being admitted to Ipswich Hospital for alcohol-related issues had spiralled by around 50 per cent in the last three years.
The number of drunk women coming through the doors has soared by 57pc which the figure for intoxicated men has risen by 46pc since 2008/09.
Dr Hodgkinson said “prevention is always better than cure” but said it was not a doctor’s place to take a political line on the issue.
“It is a politician’s job to be political. I don’t have a political comment to make,” he said.
“Alcohol can cause serious injury and death in all age groups through intoxication, violence and trauma.
“As an emergency department that is what we are there for, because you can’t deny people care if they have got themselves into trouble for whatever reason.
“Alcohol in excess gets people in trouble through intoxication as well as trauma.
“We have got the skills and are here to pick up the pieces.
“But often we can’t pick up the pieces and that is why prevention is always better than cure.
“I would prefer for people not to get in those situations through excessive drinking.”
He said the department have seen a “steady rise” in the number of people coming through the doors having drunk in excess but denied there has been a “noticeable step up”.
n What do you think about the issue? Write to health reporter Lizzie Parry at Ipswich Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail lizzie.parry@archant.co.uk
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4 comments
By the way, I'm sure Dr Hodgkinson probably said they were there to treat everyone regardless!
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ME
Friday, September 21, 2012
Dr David Hodgkinson should be very proud for speaking out! Chas, I suspect the health freaks who break their limbs on skiing holidays and get aftercare on the NHS, would be outraged a doctor could say this! lol . I totally agree with you, Angela, I speak as someone who luckily has never had to call an ambulance, but is now very confused about when it is ok to. Maybe every skateboarder who injures themselves should be charged too. I'm not saying it's ok to go out and get drunk and end up in A&E, but I think very few people drink with that intention! I also think that, unlike skiing, having a few drinks is something most people can afford now and then! Hope you don't have an accident if you do. At least now you know Dr Hodgkinson won't be judging you!
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ME
Friday, September 21, 2012
I doubt that the health freaks will like a doctor saying this.
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chas winfield
Friday, September 21, 2012
It's such a shame that the government aren't giving more funding for rehab spaces. There are an awful lot of people out there who are desperate for help - both through drink and drugs, and unless you can go private, the spaces just aren't available. Yes you could say that it's self inflicted, but it's an illness, and watching a relative who desperately needs help, but can't get it, it's heart breaking. Free up A & E by providing more places for people who ARE willing to change their lives. It's not just the Alcohlic, drug addict, that suffers, it's the relatives too....not to mention the front line drs and nurses who have to deal with overdoses.
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angela scrivener
Friday, September 21, 2012