The Alcohol Nurse Specialist Team

Alcohol is one of the major causes of liver disease in the UK. Our Alcohol Nurse Specialist team based at Bristol Royal Infirmary, provides support to those patients who experience alcohol dependence or drink alcohol to a harmful level. They also work to provide colleagues with education and training in alcohol care.

Our Alcohol Nurse Specialist team attend the weekly hepatology multi-disciplinary team meeting (MDT) to support complex decision making, provide education and teaching to the nursing and medical workforce, run an 'Alcohol Champions' programme on the wards, attend alcohol and hepatology conferences and are currently involved in a study to support standardisation of Alcohol Care Teams nationally.

The team also work with the community alcohol support services Bristol ROADS (Recovery Orientated Alcohol and Drug Service) and the North Somerset We Are with You.

The focus of the service is to:

Assess adult patients who are admitted to the hospital with alcohol use disorder (including patients drinking and using substances like heroin/crack. We aim to assess within 24 hours and provide further reviews during their time in hospital for support and motivation.
Provide advice and information for patients to access community services for alcohol and drug use. Self-referral is the fastest way for patients to access these services, but we may refer patients if required.
Provide brief intervention to increase insight and awareness of alcohol and its effect on their health and wellbeing.
Deliver harm minimisation advice to promote safety and encourage change.
Offer support for patients who are undergoing surgery.
Monitor and provide support for patients and staff on the management of medically assisted alcohol withdrawal in the hospital setting.
Prescribe relapse prevention medication for patients who are motivated for abstinence and are engaging with psychological support.
Perform Fibroscans to screen for alcohol related liver disease.

Assessment

The alcohol nurse specialists will assess people suffering from alcohol use disorder. They provide a safe, confidential, non-judgemental approach. During the assessment patients will receive feedback, education and advice on their alcohol intake.

Working hours

Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm at Bristol Royal Infirmary.

Contact details

Grace Cameron and Lucy Krouma

Email: AlcoholNurseTeam@uhbw.nhs.uk

Tel: 0117 342 7255

Bleep: 3444/6110

Advice and support

If you are concerned about the amount of alcohol you are drinking, don't be afraid to ask for help. Your GP and the following services can provide you with help, advice and support.

Breaking Free (use access code bristol11)

The Swan Project - We are here to help