Alcohol hospitalisations raise Hawkesbury health concerns
ALCOHOL-related harm remains a significant health issue in the Hawkesbury, with local hospitalisation rates rising sharply over the past two decades and residents facing limited access to public treatment services.
A recent Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network’s Needs Assessment shows report the Hawkesbury’s alcohol-attributable hospitalisation rate was 283 per 100,000 people in 2001-02.
It subsequently climbed to a peak of 644 per 100,000 in 2012-13 before falling to 429 in 2015-16. By 2019-20 it had risen again to 547, before easing slightly to 528 per 100,000 in 2020-21.
The figures highlight an ongoing challenge for the region despite significant fluctuations in hospitalisation rates over the period.
The local situation comes as governments face renewed pressure to strengthen measures aimed at reducing alcohol and other drug-related harm across Australia.
A federal parliamentary inquiry into the health impacts of alcohol and other drugs has examined issues including alcohol availability, advertising, online sales and rapid home delivery, as well as access to prevention, early intervention and treatment.
The Alcohol and Drug Foundation has backed recommendations for stronger national standards around online alcohol sales and deliveries and tighter regulation of alcohol advertising and marketing, particularly where children and vulnerable people may be exposed.
Foundation CEO Dr Erin Lalor AM said alcohol and other drug use could contribute to long-term health conditions as well as relationship breakdown and family violence, with the effects extending beyond individuals to families and communities.
Access to treatment is particularly relevant for Hawkesbury residents.
The Primary Health Network assessment identifies a shortage of local detoxification services across the broader Nepean Blue Mountains region.
Hawkesbury residents requiring a public detoxification service need to travel to Penrith, where the region's only public service operates a 15-bed short-stay unit. The assessment says high demand can also result in waiting periods.
A private detoxification and rehabilitation service is available through St John of God Richmond Hospital, while the Hawkesbury Day Program provides non-residential alcohol and other drug support.
The Day Program assisted 143 clients during 2024-25, according to the Primary Health Network.
The issue reflects a broader national health challenge. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data shows there were about 146,000 alcohol and other drug-related hospitalisations nationally in 2023-24.
Alcohol accounted for 84,318 cases — around 58 per cent of the total — making it the leading drug type associated with these hospitalisations.
NSW Health says alcohol contributes to a range of conditions including alcohol-use disorders, cancers, chronic liver disease and injuries.
People concerned about their own alcohol or drug use, or that of a family member or friend, can contact the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.
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