Hundreds of islanders seek detox

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New out-patient clinics have been made available on the Isle of Skye to deal with the numbers of residents seeking help for drink-related problems.

Skye got its own alcohol liaison nurse after it was found the number of people admitted for detoxification was almost 80% higher than the national average.

Since 2006, Neil Turner has accepted more than 400 referrals.

The clinics are being held at Skye's Dr MacKinnon Memorial Hospital and Portree Community Hospital.

Advice, counselling and the supply of chlordiazepoxide, a tranquilliser used in the treatment of alcoholism, are offered at the nurse-led drop-in services.

Alcohol dependency

They have been timed to deal with a traditional rise in cases over the festive period.

Mr Turner said: "Around 100 people per year are currently admitted to the two hospitals for detoxification. It is hoped that the clinics will reduce this figure by around 50%."

NHS Highland's Skye and Lochalsh locality manager Kate Earnshaw welcomed the introduction of the clinics.

She said: "This is an innovative way of providing specialist nurse-led care and improves services for people experiencing alcohol dependency."