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A service which helps prevent alcohol dependence developing into a serious health problem has been called 'lifesaving' by one of our patients.  

The Alcohol Care Team, which is based at The Royal London Hospital, is dedicated helping to identify the symptoms of alcohol use disorders early and making the appropriate referrals.  

One patient referred was Ian who began drinking in his early 20s, but the Covid-19 outbreak meant he started drinking every day at home.  

"At the end of 2020, I suffered a major head injury, and I was told to stay away from alcohol, but I started to get anxious and also got the shakes," Ian said.

Ian attempted to give up on his own and sought treatment, but he felt underprepared and relapsed four days after he finished.  
He came into contact with our Alcohol Care Team in June 2025 and it became an important step in his recovery.  

"The Alcohol Care Team at The Royal London pushed for me to get proper help, without it, it just doesn't work," he said.  

"It was a scary time and without their medical supervision, I couldn't have done it without them. I am grateful to them and the fact I could access this service in hospital was lifesaving.  

"I am now four months sober and feel better than I have ever done in the last five years."

The service is part of our trust-wide approach to improving identification of alcohol-related harm and making it easier for staff to trigger specialist input faster. It is also an example of the importance of community partners including Public Health and the trust's Public Health and Clinical Systems teams.

Duncan Njoroge, lead nurse for the Alcohol Care Team, said: “This service provides targeted interventions that improve health outcomes for patients with alcohol use disorders.  

“It also reduces pressure our emergency department by preventing avoidable readmissions, saving bed days, and ensuring patients are linked into appropriate community alcohol services.”