Young drinkers 'serious problem'

The island's problem mirrors that of the UK's young drinkers

Almost one in three emergency hospital admissions for under 16s on the Isle of Man is alcohol-related.

The Isle of Man government says the island is facing a "serious alcohol problem" among youngsters.

The youngest child admitted via accident and emergency at Nobles Hospital for drink-related problems was aged 12.

Home Affairs minister Martyn Quayle said the island's public health specialist's findings, were shocking.

Dr Andreea Steriu found that for 2004/5 22 children were admitted for alcohol-related conditions, with a further 50 having conditions attributable to alcohol, such as injuries.

'Underestimate problem'

Mr Quayle said: "These shocking findings, where almost one in three A&E admissions of young people was because of alcohol, have serious implications for the long term health of our young people as well as a likely impact in terms of law and order."

Dr Steriu also found that girls were more likely to be admitted than boys.

She said just using A and E admission figures may underestimate the problem, because GP visits are not included.

She added: "This should now prompt us towards developing tailor-made services, not only taking into account the size of the problem, but also for the type of service that should be provided and how that should be provided."