British Liver Trust
Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems
Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh
Press Release
On 28 May 2014 the British Liver Trust and Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems will be launching an exciting and innovative publication showcasing Edinburgh students’ ideas for an alcohol related liver disease awareness-raising campaign with a youthful and powerful message [1].
This publication represents a unique collaboration between education, medicine and design made possible through a collaboration with Edinburgh College of Art, and with support from the University of Edinburgh and the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh.
The scale of the problem is particularly acute for Scotland: Scottish deaths from chronic liver disease are among the highest in Europe; the rates are almost 70% higher than the average across the UK and 60% higher than 30 years ago. Compared to countries in central, western, northern and southern Europe, only Hungary has a higher mortality rate from liver disease than Scotland.
Evidence indicates that as many as 20% of the population have liver disease, but many don’t know it – therefore left untreated, it becomes ‘the silent killer’.
Later on the same day, we are hosting a Parliamentary reception, sponsored by Willie Rennie MSP, to showcase the publication and to offer clinicians, policy makers and service providers the opportunity to discuss how best to tackle the growing problem of liver disease.
This event will raise awareness of the project and help ensure that the key messages about alcohol related liver disease are disseminated as widely as possible.
Eric Carlin, Director, Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems, said,
“Scotland’s problems with excessive alcohol consumption are well-known. Increasingly alcohol-related liver disease is being found in younger adults. It is very timely that students from the Edinburgh College of Art have been thinking about campaigns that might raise awareness of health risks from alcohol consumption. By showcasing their ideas in the Scottish Parliament we hope to give students the recognition which their work deserves, while ensuring that the problems of alcohol-related liver disease remain in the political spotlight”.
Andrew Langford, Chief Executive, British Liver Trust, said,
“The British Liver Trust is delighted to be a part of this imaginative project designed to highlight the catastrophic effect of alcohol-related liver disease. As Scotland is disproportionately affected by this disease, we believe that we need to get information out to young people in new ways that they can relate to that will enable them to make healthy lifestyle choices. These superb publications of the students’ work give everyone an ideal opportunity to engage and discuss liver health with younger people, and many others too”.
Prof Derek Bell, President, Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh (RCPE), said,
“The RCPE is pleased to have been involved in supporting this project which has sought to encourage innovative ideas from local art students aimed at reducing excessive alcohol consumption in Scotland. These ideas present an interesting and fresh perspective on this public health challenge and it would be appropriate to test their suitability on young people prior to determining if they may have wider potential use.”
ENDS
Contact: Andrew Langford on 07810-564913
Notes to Editors
[1] Copies available upon request.
