Shock at drink and drugs consumption

‘Depressing’ report on under-19 admissions
A REPORT has revealed East Oldham has among the highest number of alcohol and drugs-related hospital admissions in the borough for children under the age of 19.

There are growing concerns about the amount of alcohol consumption in the St James’s ward and the amount of drugs taken by young people in the Waterhead ward.

The shock findings by Oldham Council also revealed some parents in the district are buying alcohol for their children.

Adult males are also supplying alcohol to younger girls around Waterhead Park.

The report provides East Oldham District Partnership with a framework for identifying priorities for the development of a children and young people’s plan for the East Oldham area.

Councillor Jackie Stanton, of St James’s ward, called the report “depressing”.

She said: “Oldham East comes out very badly in this report.

“What I ask is, what are we going to do about this? Because I find this in this day and age very worrying.”

Waterhead does not have the highest number of drug-related hospital admissions for children under 19-year-old in the borough — both Alexandra and Chadderton North wards have more cases.

Waterhead councillor Peter Dean said: “The report is a benchmark and gives us the information to work on. We really do have to use our resources to the best of our ability.”

St James’s has the third highest alcohol-related hospital admissions — with Crompton and Royton North above.

A children’s paediatric nurse has been appointed to forge a link between agencies and accident and emergency, which will enable easier referrals for the youngsters.

The nurse is employed to serve all of Oldham — but is described as “pertinent” to young people in Oldham East.

A discrete substance misuse support service for young people is thought to be beneficial, according to the council — with a “trusting relationship” gained through the service and young people.