NEW YEAR revellers are being reminded that the ‘NHS doesn’t stand for “National Hangover Service”’ as health bosses consider whether to roll out ‘drunk tanks’ to major cities in 2018.

England NHS chief executive Simon Stevens has described the huge strain drinking to excess puts on A&E departments and ambulance services during the festive season.

So-called drunk tanks provide a safe place for those who have overindulged to be checked over and even sleep it off, rather than being taken to casualty or the police station.

They are already used in some areas including Newcastle, Bristol and Cardiff.

It’s estimated that 12-15 per cent of attendances at emergency departments in the UK are due to alcohol intoxication. This peaks on Friday and Saturday evenings, particularly at this time of year, when as many as 70 per cent of attendances can be alcohol-related.

The National Institute for Health Research is also currently carrying out a study looking at whether drunk tanks or Alcohol Intoxication Management Services, should be rolled out as a way of managing intoxicated patients.

Mr Stevens said: ‘When the health service is pulling out all the stops to care for sick and vulnerable patients who rightly and genuinely need our support, it’s frankly selfish when ambulance paramedics and A&E nurses have to be diverted to looking after revellers who have overindulged and who just need somewhere to safely sleep it off.’

Sefton introduces MORE No Drinking Zones in Southport

Sefton Council is introducing a number of alcohol-restricted spaces in a bid to tackle anti-social behaviour and help to build safer and healthier communities.

The No Drinking Zones are designed to encourage more responsible drinking and ensure that the law-abiding majority can enjoy public spaces – safe from crime and anti-social behaviour.

This initiative demonstrates the Council’s commitment to residents and visitors so that everyone can have the peace and quiet they deserve  – to enjoy the places where they live or work. The areas will also help to improve the quality of life in local communities through the prevention of problems or nuisances.

The restricted sites are located in Southport, Formby, Crosby, Waterloo and Bootle and do not include any licensed premises.

The following roads are within the No Drinking Zones:

• Southport Town Centre – the area bounded by Kings Gardens, Promenade, Seabank Road, Gordon Street, Lord Street, Union Street, Castle Street, Hill Street, Wright Street, London Street, Chapel Street, Tulketh Street, Bridge Street, Eastbank Street, Princess Street, Market Street, King Street, Duke Street, Morrison’s Car Park

• Bootle Town Centre – the area bounded by Merton Road, Washington Parade, Marsh Lane and Litherland Road
• Formby – Duke Street Park, Kings Road, Phillips Lane down to the footpath (including Meadow Croft and Phillips Close), Formby Railway Station and car park, Formby Bridge, Formby Street and Andrews Lane
•  Crosby/Waterloo – the pedestrianised area of Liverpool Road up to The Green, the pedestrianised area of Moor Lane to the end of Telegraph House, the area of pavement on Coronation Road in front of Crown Building, Moorside Park, Victoria Park, Coronation Park, Alexandra Park, Marine Gardens, Crescent Gardens, Adelaide Gardens, Beach Lawn Gardens, St John’s Road and South Road.

Sefton Council will work closely with Merseyside Police and other partners to monitor the No Drinking Zones.