NEW figures show that £9.5m was spent in 2012/13 treating people in Swindon suffering with alcohol-related health issues.

The Alcohol Concern charity has compiled the national research to show the strain the problems have on the country’s finances and healthcare staff.

Great Western Hospital dealt with 18,502 people in accident and emergency for alcohol-related health concerns during the period of the study, at a cost of £2.1m.

The remaining money is spent on inpatient and outpatient services.

Last year 72 people in Swindon died of alcohol-related causes.

Frances Mayes, Swindon Council’s senior public health manager, said: “I don’t think these stats are telling us anything that we didn’t already know. We are aware that alcohol is a big problem in Swindon, as it is across the country.

“It is frightening to think about the affect alcohol has on someone’s health and financially on society.

“A lot of people think alcohol just causes liver problems but it can lead to cancer, dementia and depression, among other illnesses and conditions.”

Frances said warning people about the dangers of alcohol was one of the best ways of reducing the human and social cost of excessive consumption.

She said: “Prevention is a very important tool in this battle. We do a lot of work in schools working with young people.”

People drinking to excess are encouraged to give up or cut back by working with charity CRI, partners with Swindon Drugs and Alcohol Services.

The group provides free advice and support to those who are struggling with alcohol problems.

Frances said: “Most people can take it upon themselves to cut down but there are a percentage who struggle, for one reason or another, and these services are here for them.”

In England 9.6m people exceed Government guidelines, with 2.4m classified as high risk.

Jackie Ballard, Alcohol Concern chief executive, said: “The NHS is now facing an intolerable strain from alcohol-related illnesses.

“We need to ensure adequate alcohol care pathways are prioritised and appropriate services are put in place to ease this burden.”

The Department of Health says it worka hard to reduce the number of people who regularly drink too much.

“We know that alcohol-fuelled harm costs society about £21b a year and are determined to reduce this burden to taxpayers. The rise in admissions is very concerning,” a spokesman said.

“We are working with industry to promote drinking within recommended guidelines and responsible drinking through local schemes.”