Our hospital sites all have a zero-alcohol policy. Alcohol must not be consumed and is not permitted on any of our hospital sites for patients, any visitors, contractors and staff.

The policy aims to create a safer healthcare environment by:

  • Protecting patients from harmful interactions between alcohol and medication
  • Reducing complications during treatment and recovery
  • Supporting shorter hospital stays and improved health outcomes
  • Improving safety for patients, visitors and staff
  • Providing opportunities to identify people who may benefit from specialist support
  • Recognising alcohol dependence is a serious health condition requiring treatment, support and compassion.

Policy rules:

These rules protect patient safety, prevent adverse drug interactions, and maintain a secure, violence-free environment.

  • Our hospital sites prohibit alcohol consumption, possession, or being under the influence on our premises
  • If you bring alcohol on our premises, you will be encouraged to dispose of it
  • Alcohol will be confiscated and disposed of safely
  • Do not bring alcohol into hospital for patients
  • We will record any alcohol possession, intoxication and aggression or disorder linked to alcohol.

Support:

Our Alcohol Care Team can provide guidance and support with no judgement to patients who are dependent on alcohol.

Staff may refer patients to the Alcohol Care Team for additional guidance and treatment.

Hospital Watch:

By working in partnership with Liverpool City Council, Trading Standards and local shops we are aiming to prevent patients purchasing alcohol locally around all our hospitals.

Licensed premises have been asked to:

  • Not knowingly sell alcohol to hospital patients / or where is it suspected to be purchased by friends or relatives of patients.

Every year thousands of Liverpool residents, often with complex health conditions, require hospital treatment due to alcohol-related illness and it can have a devasting impact on individuals, families and communities.

This policy is about protecting patients, supporting recovery and creating the safest possible environment for everyone accessing our hospitals.

End of life care exceptions:

We have an exception for patients who are in the final hours or days of life and our Bereavement Team can offer ‘taste for pleasure’ this could be the taste of an alcoholic beverage if that’s what they enjoy. Speak to the Bereavement Team for further details.