Gedling borough’s problem drinkers and smokers will now be offered help to quit if they are admitted to hospital as part of a money-saving crackdown by NHS bosses.
Those with smoking and drinking problems will be helped by a team of experts while they stay on a ward.
NHS bosses say the savings the new scheme will bring will vastly outweigh the costs of £183m to put it into place over five years.
It is hoped the scheme will prevent 50,000 admissions annually and almost 250,000 bed days over five years.
NHS England chief executive Simon Stevens said: “Drinking to excess can destroy families, with the NHS too often left to pick up the pieces.
“Alcohol and tobacco addiction remain two of the biggest causes of ill health and early death, and the right support can save lives.
“The NHS long-term plan delivers a sea-change in care for a range of major conditions like cancer, mental ill health and heart disease, as well as stepping up to do more on preventing ill health in the first place by giving patients the support they need to take greater control of their own health and stay fitter longer.”
