New clinics for alcoholics could ease pressure on beds in hospitals on Skye over Christmas and the new year, according to local medics.
Until now, people who are addicted to alcohol have had little choice but to seek help from staff at either the Dr MacKinnon Memorial Hospital at Broadford or the Portree Community Hospital.
But NHS Highland hopes the introduction of alcohol clinics at the hospitals will help more people kick the habit, therefore reducing pressure on the rest of the island’s health service.
Alcohol liaison nurse Neil Turner said: “About 100 people per year are currently admitted to the two hospitals for detoxification.
“It is hoped that the clinics will reduce this figure by 50%.”
Before Mr Turner took the job, the number of people admitted to the Skye hospitals for detoxification was almost 80% higher than the national average.
Since his appointment in May 2006, he has accepted more than 400 referrals and reduced waiting times to see a specialist from an average of three weeks to less than one.
Now he hopes the new clinics will have an even greater impact on the statistics.
He said alcohol problems in Skye are no worse than anywhere else in Scotland. But he added: “The reason more people were being admitted was because there were fewer alternatives for treatment for alcohol addictions.”
The clinics will supply patients with a five-day course of Chlordiazepoxide, which is better known as Librium, and is used to counter the physical symptoms associated with giving up alcohol abruptly.
Mr Turner said the drug could prevent withdrawal symptoms like the shakes, anxiety and sweatiness. But after five days patients will be given support to stay off drink long-term.
Medics will monitor physical and mental health, give alcohol counseling and assessment, and refer patients to community supports and rehabilitation services.
Patients can walk straight into the clinics without an appointment and without being referred by their GP.
Skye and Lochalsh locality manager Kate Earnshaw said: “This is an innovative way of providing specialist nurse-led care and improves services for people experiencing alcohol dependency.”
Clinics are held at the MacKinnon Hospital from 10.30am to noon and at Portree from 2.30pm to 4pm, every day from Monday to Friday.
For more information about the service contact Mr Turner on 01478 613772.