Specialist nurses are now on hand at Airedale Hospital to help identify and support patients with alcohol problems.

The duo, from Bradford District Care Trust, will assist people whose drinking could be putting their health at risk.

The nurses will work alongside clinicians from Airedale NHS Foundation Trust.

Fiona Shippey, who with Sam McMahon has taken up the role, said: “It’s important that people understand the impact of their drinking and we can suggest ways they can make changes and cut down their alcohol intake.

“Working in A&E and on the wards gives us a great opportunity to get across important health messages about alcohol consumption and make referrals where necessary.”

Figures show that over 15,000 people across the Bradford district are dependent on alcohol and have developed drinking habits likely to be harmful to their health.

Michael Smith, emergency department unit manager at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I am delighted to welcome Fiona and Sam into our department. If we can get to people before they reach dependency stage we will be able to reduce the number with alcohol-related problems.”