THE alcohol treatment team at Poole Hospital are finalists in this year's Health Service Journal awards.

They have been selected to contest the acute sector innovation category in recognition of the dramatic reduction in the number of days patients are spending at the hospital due to alcohol related conditions.

In the financial year 2013/14, before the hospital's alcohol care and treatment service (ACTS) was established, alcohol related conditions accounted for around 7,000 bed days, but last year the team was able to reduce this by more than 20 per cent.

Graeme White, head of addiction services at Poole Hospital, said being shortlisted for the award was a huge boost.

"I'm absolutely delighted that the team has been named finalists in these national awards," he said.

"It is great recognition for all the hard work they have put in to developing the service, and the difference they are making to patients' lives.

"Alcohol misuse is a complex area of healthcare, spanning hospital, community and mental health care, as well as local authorities and voluntary organisations - we work with a fantastic range of partners to achieve these results."

A range of initiatives are behind the changes shown in the figures, including the appointment of an 'alcohol lead nurse' to providing expert advice not only to patients but also to ward staff, and a new alcohol screening programme was introduced as well.

This identifies patients who would benefit from advice and support with their drinking, and ensures further help is available in the community once they leave the hospital.

Around 20,000 patients are now routinely screened each year.

Also, for those patients who frequently attend hospital because of their alcohol use, a new community outreach team has been developed with the aim of shifting the focus from alcohol and therapy to more practical measures to help patients move on from the cycle of treatment and relapse - such as developing new skills or interests.

Nine other hospitals have been shortlisted in the innovation category, with the victor revealed at a gala evening in London in November.