HOSPITAL admissions for alcohol-related conditions in the North-East are falling faster than in any other region, according to new figures.

Statistics from Public Health England also showed that death rates due to alcohol in the region are also improving faster than anywhere else.

The region also recorded the lowest rate in England of alcohol-related crime, alcohol- related violent crime and alcohol-related sexual crime.

However, the these positive trends were in contrast to the overall position, which shows that the North-East continues to suffer from some of the highest rates of alcohol-related harm.

The North-East has: The highest rate of under 18s admitted to hospital with alcohol-specific conditions (72.23 per 100,000 population). This is 61 per cent higher than the national average.

The highest rate of admissions to hospital with alcohol-related conditions for males (2116 per 100,000 population). This is 26 per cent higher than the national average, but rates have reduced by 3.32 per cent since the 2009-11 data.

The highest rate of admissions with alcohol-related conditions for females (1064 per 100,000 population). This is 28 per cent higher than the national average but rates have reduced by 2.97 per cent since the 2009-11 data.

The highest rate of admissions with alcohol-related conditions for males (734 per 100,000 population). This is 25 per cent higher than the national average but rates have reduced by 3.42 per cent since the 2009-11 data.

The highest rate of admissions with alcohol-related conditions for females (387 per 100,000 population). This is 27 per cent higher than the national average but rates have reduced by 5.27 per cent since the 2009-11 data.

Colin Shevills, director of Balance, the North-East alcohol office, said: “It’s encouraging that rates for hospital admissions and mortality are falling fastest in the North-East.

“However, it is still worrying that the North-East continues to remain at the top of these tables – clearly more needs to be done.”

Nationally, figures for alcohol-related deaths for men are down 1.9 per cent since the last update and 7.3 per cent over a five year period.

For women, alcohol-related deaths are down 1.4 per cent since the last update and 6.8 per cent over a five year period.

Mr Shevills added: “To ensure these rates continue to fall we need Government to implement evidence-based measures such as a minimum unit price.”