The number of people admitted to Epsom and St Helier hospitals with alcohol related illnesses and injuries in the past seven years has increased by almost 145 per cent, disturbing figures show.

Whether to receive long-term medical treatment for chronic liver failure, or hospital treatment in Accident and Emergency (A&E) after a drunken fall, figures show that in 2009-10, 575 people were admitted to the hospitals because of drinking alcohol, compared to 234 in 2002-03.

Dr Sameer Zar, consultant gastroenterologist at the Trust said: “Every year more and more people need hospital treatment as a direct result of alcohol abuse.

“Drinking too much alcohol can be very damaging. Not only can it put a huge strain on your social life and relationships, it can also affect your work performance. As alcohol also impairs your judgement, it also leaves you vulnerable to accidents and injuries. Long term alcohol abuse comes with other health problems too – it can damage your liver, pancreas, heart and brain.

“And of course, seeing such an increase in the number of patients with alcohol-related conditions puts even more strain on the NHS, and in financially challenging times like these, it is vital that we are making the best use of our resources.”

Dr Zar stressed the importance of getting health advice for those who may be at risk.

He said: “The early signs of liver failure can be subtle and hard to spot, but with early intervention, we can start to treat the problem before it causes serious, life-threatening damage. I know a lot of people don’t find coming forward easy, but it really could be a matter of life and death.”

To get advice and information about alcohol people can schedule an appointment with a GP or visit www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk for more information about drinking. Alternatively, call the AA on 08457 697 555.

Those affected by someone else’s drinking should visit www.al-anonuk.org.uk or call 020 7403 0888. The helpline is open from 10am to 10pm, 365 days a year.

Visit www.nhs.uk/alcohol for more information about the effects of drinking, including a downloadable alcohol tracker to keep track of drinking habits.