DOCTORS across the town have said the number of residents dying in Warrington of liver disease is a 'real concern' but plans are in place to tackle the town's drink problem.

More men and women in Warrington are dying of liver disease than the national average, according to latest figures.

Statistics from Public Health England also found almost double the number of men were being admitted to hospital with liver disease or alcohol-related admissions than women in the town with both figures higher than the national average.

Dr Salahudin Khalid, consultant physician and gastroenterologist at Warrington Hospital added liver disease is increasing at an 'alarming rate' with the average age of death related to liver disease being 59-years-old and continuing to fall.

He added: “Almost one out of every four adults drinks more than the maximum recommended limit of alcohol and the cost of alcohol-related crime, NHS services and loss of work productivity amounts to over £3 billion in the north west alone with someone admitted to hospital in the north west due to alcohol every four minutes.

"In Warrington more patients are presenting with serious complications of liver failure and patients with advanced liver disease often require repeated admissions to the hospital presenting a considerable challenge for NHS organisations.

“We have a team of dedicated gastroenterologists and specialist nurses managing patients presenting with liver disease and there are regular weekly liver clinics where a variety of liver conditions are assessed and managed (but) it is essential GPs, hospitals and health workers work together to tackle this threat."

An 'alcohol harm reduction strategy 2012-15' has been put together to reduce the impact of alcohol misuse on individuals, families and communities in Warrington as well as a 'healthy weight strategy' after doctors warned there are more than 100 types of liver disease that are not caused by drinking.

Dr Andy Davies, CCG chairman added: "It is really concerning that the figures show that we have issues in Warrington with liver disease related to lifestyle and alcohol.

"Liver disease can start even when alcohol is consumed within the recommended limits as lack of exercise and poor diet also contribute and exacerbate liver conditions."

Clr Pat Wright, Warrington Borough Council’s portfolio holder for public health added residents will have the opportunity to 'think about their drinking habits' during a range of activities throughout 'Alcohol awareness week' running from November 17 to 23.