2019 saw highest ever level of alcohol-related deaths in Northern Ireland

The comments come after the NI Statistics and Research Agency (Nisra) released figures showing that 336 of the 15,758 registered deaths in 2019 were alcohol-related.

Nisra said this is 34.9% higher than was recorded 10 years ago and 18.3% higher than the 2018 total of 284.

The majority of those who died each year since 2009 have been in the 45-54 and 55-64 age groups, and from 2015 to 2019 there are notably higher numbers of such deaths in areas of higher deprivation.

Dr Paul Darragh a member of the BMA’s Board of Science said, “It is clear that we continue to see alcohol misuse in Northern Ireland, and to see more people dying due to alcohol misuse is very worrying. The increasing number of female deaths is the highest ever recorded in Northern Ireland.

“It also appears from the figures that those in areas of higher deprivation are more likely to be affected by alcohol misuse. I would be very worried that when we see the statistics for 2020, they will be even worse due to lockdown and increased pressures on the population during the pandemic.”

He called for minimum unit pricing and undergraduate training on interventions for all health professionals.

Health Minister Robin Swann said: “These figures serve as a stark reminder of the real harm that alcohol can cause bringing heart breaking consequences for individuals, families and communities right across Northern Ireland.”

He urged people to take part in the consultation on the new Draft Alcohol and Drug Strategy at www.health-ni.gov.uk/SUS-consultation.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride added: “We are also mindful of the impact of COVID-19 and reports that people may be drinking more at home during periods of lockdown. Now is a good time to reflect on how much alcohol you are consuming and, if appropriate, to reduce drinking to improve your physical and mental wellbeing.”

• For help see: services.drugsandalcoholni.info or contact your local GP.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to newsletter.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to the best Northern Ireland and UK news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Alistair Bushe

Editor