NEW figures show the number of Swindon youngsters being admitted to hospital for alcohol-related illnesses remains the same, despite a fall across the rest of the country.

Between 2011 and 2014, 58.1 per 100,000 of under 18s went in to hospital for alcohol-specific submissions, which is significantly higher than the national average, of 40.1.

However, while the national figure continues to fall, the Swindon figure has stayed broadly the same, when compared to the previous three-year block.

The submissions the figures refer to are illnesses directly related to being drunk, such as passing out, or drunken injuries, as opposed to long-term health issues.

For adults, the Swindon figures are below the national average but while there has been a fall in the town in recent years, there is a recognition that more needs to be done.

Cherry Jones, Swindon Borough Council’s director of public health, said: “Alcohol-related harm is a national problem, which also affects Swindon, and we’re committed to tackling this.

“In the South West region, the majority of local authorities have higher numbers of under 18-year-olds being admitted to hospital for reasons related to alcohol than the national average.

“Between 2008 and 2014, the numbers in Swindon have fallen by 44 per cent, which is a greater rate of decline than England as a whole, at 41 per cent, and the South West at 37 per cent.

“It’s also important to recognise that the small number of people, 85 in the past three years, admitted to hospital represents only the most severe cases.

“Alcohol is a contributory factor in many attendances at A&E departments and, although there are no robust statistics on this, surveys indicate that problem drinking in young people is decreasing nationally and in Swindon.

“We do, however, take this issue very seriously and continue to carefully consider the possible causes and review services to ensure they best meet local need.”

A possible reason given for the figures is better monitoring but the council says there are several schemes in place to tackle the issue.

“We now have more effective systems to identify and treat those affected, whereas in the past the problem may not have been so widely recognised or responded to,” said Cherry.

“We encourage alcohol awareness, providing education and advice on its potential dangers, through the Healthy Schools initiative.

“More targeted intervention is also offered by U-turn, a specialist service giving help and guidance to young people, and their families, who have alcohol and/or drug-related problems.”