AN increasing number of Dorset women are being treated in hospital for alcohol-related conditions.

A report to Dorset county councillors says admission rates remain much higher for men than women, but whilst the rate for men has fallen after being static for a few years, the rate among women is rising.

At the same time the number of those completing alcohol treatment, for men and women, has continued to fall with less than four in ten likely to complete a course.

The latest figures, comparing figures from 2016/17 to 2017/18 show alcohol related admissions for men, per 100,000 population, down from 689 to 655, while the figures for women, over the same period increased from 437 to 440.

Nationally the Dorset figures are better than for the country as a whole.

Admission rates are highest amongst the 40-64 age group and those from lower socio-economic groups are more likely to suffer harm from alcohol, despite average lower rates of consumption, according to the report from Dr David Bonner, to Thursday’s county people and communities committee.

Help for those who see their drinking as a problem, or potential problem, is offered locally by the LiveWell Dorset service through brief interventions and behavioural change coaching and for those with alcohol dependence treatment is available through the NHS.