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The University Hospitals of Liverpool Group is implementing a Zero Alcohol Policy across its hospital sites as part of a broader initiative called Hospital Watch. This innovative programme is a collaborative effort between Liverpool City Council’s Public Health team, NHS partners, Trading Standards, and local licensed retailers aimed at reducing alcohol-related harm, enhancing patient safety, and supporting recovery. The initiative arose due to concerns about the easy availability of alcohol near hospital premises and the negative impact this poses on treatment and recovery processes.
Liverpool has been at the forefront of developing a coordinated approach to limit patient access to alcohol while in hospital. This effort has involved extensive staff training, targeted public communication campaigns, and close collaboration with nearby licensed venues to encourage the refusal of alcohol sales to inpatients. University Hospitals of Liverpool Group encompasses several hospitals, including Aintree University Hospital, Broadgreen Hospital, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool Women’s Hospital, the Royal Liverpool University Hospital, and various community services.
The effects of the initiative are increasingly evident. Test purchasing exercises, where volunteers acting as hospital patients attempted to buy alcohol from licensees near hospital sites, showed a substantial improvement in compliance—refusal rates rose from 33% before engagement to 80% afterward. Additionally, patient feedback reflects widespread approval, with 92% surveyed supporting the Hospital Watch programme. The new Zero Alcohol Policy reinforces the stance that alcohol consumption is prohibited within hospital grounds. It applies to all patients, visitors, staff, volunteers, and contractors, aiming to enhance safety by preventing harmful interactions between alcohol and medication, reducing complications, supporting faster recovery, improving safety across hospital environments, and identifying individuals who may benefit from specialist help.
Alcohol-related harm significantly affects Liverpool, being the leading cause of death and illness among people aged 15 to 49 in the city. Each year, approximately 4,971 alcohol-specific hospital admissions are recorded locally, with an estimated annual financial impact of £331.7 million. Nationally, England reported 8,274 alcohol-specific deaths in 2023 and nearly 340,000 related hospital admissions in 2023/24. This new policy aims to create a safer environment while ensuring that patients with alcohol dependence receive the necessary treatment and support. Specialized care is provided by the University Hospitals of Liverpool Group’s Alcohol Care Team, which offers assessment, medically managed withdrawal, and referrals to community treatment services. Furthermore, staff across the hospitals are undergoing Identification and Brief Advice (IBA) training to facilitate supportive conversations about alcohol use and recovery.
Although the policy adopts a strict no-alcohol approach on hospital premises, it acknowledges alcohol dependence as a serious health issue requiring compassionate care and treatment. Some clinical exceptions remain in place, particularly for specific circumstances such as end-of-life care. Dr. Paul Richardson, Consultant Hepatologist and Clinical Lead for Alcohol Care Services at University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, emphasized the importance of the policy: “This policy is not about punishing people. It is about protecting patients, supporting recovery and creating the safest possible environment for everyone accessing our hospitals.” Professor Matthew Ashton, Director of Public Health for Liverpool City Council, highlighted the value of Hospital Watch, describing it as “an outstanding example of effective partnership working and prevention in action,” demonstrating how collaborative efforts can reduce harm and improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations
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