More money for alcohol screening in Scotland

The Scottish Government has announced that funding for alcohol screening, prevention and treatment services will more than double to £25 million for the year 2008/2009. This compares to £10.13 million in 2007/08.

The package forms part of an additional £85 million funding commitment to tackle alcohol misuse over the next three years. Minister for Public Health Shona Robison said:

"The record funding I am announcing demonstrates the Scottish Government's clear commitment to address Scotland's complex relationship with alcohol. Far too many Scots are drinking above the recommended amounts on a regular basis - often without realising that they are doing so, and without understanding the impact it is having on their health.

Today's funding will ensure that people across Scotland have access to advice and support about their drinking and to treatment services where necessary.

But Scottish Government action does not stop there. We are currently developing a long term strategic approach to tackling alcohol misuse. We plan to publish our proposals for action before the summer."

NHS BOARD FUNDING ALLOCATION
Ayrshire & Arran - £1,775,085
Borders - £700,915
Dumfries & Galloway - £897,971
Fife - £1,636,844
Forth Valley - £1,275,324
Grampian - £2,014,386
Greater Glasgow - £6,325,293
Highland - £1,496,320
Lanarkshire - £2,455,698
Lothian - £3,401,218
Orkney - £333,164
Shetland - £345,022
Tayside - £1,816,885
Western Isles - £390,621