Statistics compiled by the NHS formation Centre for 2009-10 revealed 1,057,000 hospital visits in relation to alcohol – a 12% increase on the previous year and more than double the amount recorded in 2002-03.
Wirral has a reputation as one of the worst places in the country for hospital admissions caused through drink.
The number of Wirral people seeking hospital treatment for booze-related medical problems went up from 8,686 in 2008-09 to 8,707 in 2008-10.
Councillor Anne McArdle, Wirral Council’s new cabinet member for social care, said: “Clearly any rise in admissions is of concern in Wirral where there is a particular concern regarding young people and alcohol.
“We all know there is a close link between this rise in admissions and the cheap price and easy availability of alcohol, which we will continue to address with the national government.”
She continued: "In Wirral, our multi-agency approach has led to the rise being much smaller than was anticipated – proving that this approach to the issue does work well.
“I am very keen to continue this partnership approach and will be meeting with health colleagues during Alcohol Awareness Week – which runs from June 6 – to look at what more can be done to keep more people out of hospital by encouraging healthier lifestyles.”
Last September, shock revelations about problems stemming from cheap booze were put before Wirral licensing authority.
Members were told that imposing a minimum UK pricing strategy for alcohol of 50p per unit could prevent 3,400 deaths annually, 100,000 hospital admissions, 300,000 days off sick and 46,000 crimes.
In March, however, the council ruled against setting a minimum price for alcohol in the borough after being advised by then council leader Cllr Jeff Green to strike the right balance between tackling alcohol abuse without hitting responsible moderate drinkers.
The council was also informed that the government had proposed measures to prevent the heavy discounting of alcohol at booze outlets.
Figures released by the NHS Information Centre showed that 63% of hospital admissions were for men and that there were higher rates of admissions related to booze for older adults than their younger counterparts.
The report further revealed that alcohol dependency cost the NHS £2.41m in prescription items last year – up 1.4% on the amount spent in the previous year.
The highest call for prescriptions was in the North West and North East.
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