AIREDALE Hospital has had more than 700 alcohol-related admissions over the last three-and-a-half years, it has been revealed.

But year-on-year figures are falling, according to the latest statistics.

Between April 2014 and October this year, there were 738 admissions to Airedale Hospital linked to alcohol.

When broken down by age group, the highest number – 228 – was in the 41 to 50 range.

There was one admission for a child aged between one and ten.

The district-wide total, which includes Bradford Royal Infirmary, for the same period was 9,725.

Airedale NHS Foundation Trust says it refers adult patients with alcohol-related problems to Keighley-based charity Project Six, which offers advice and support.

Monthly meetings are held to discuss referral levels and cases.

A trust spokesman added: "At Airedale we've seen a general decline in the amount of alcohol-related admissions."

So far in 2017-18 there have been 148, compared to 195 last year.

Councillor Val Slater, Bradford Council's portfolio holder for health and wellbeing, said considerable work was taking place across the district to help people with alcohol problems.

She added: "Tackling liver disease in the Bradford district is a high priority for the council and the district's three clinical commissioning groups.

"One way we reach those most at risk is through the substance misuse liaison team working within hospital settings.

"Patients admitted to hospital with an alcohol-related health problem are being identified earlier by this team and referred for the help they need."