Hospitals should brace themselves for an epidemic of alcohol-related injuries tonight, experts warned today.
The Friday before Christmas has been dubbed "fall over Friday" and nationally billions of pounds could be spent on drink today.
The emergency services made a desperate plea for "responsible" drinking.
Jo Webber, director of the Ambulance Service Network, said: “The annual UK expenditure on alcohol is more than £42 billion. And on the Friday before Christmas, it can seem like some people consume a whole month’s ‘rations’ in one evening.
"Over indulgence on alcohol hurts more than just heads and wallets. In the past decade, hospital admissions due to the effects of alcohol have risen by 110 per cent to over 250,000 a year, and the annual cost of alcohol misuse is more than £2.7 billion and growing.
“So if you’ve got an office party this Friday, or you’re planning drinks with friends, please think and drink responsibly.
"The pressure put on the doctors, nurses and paramedics who will be on hand to pick up the pieces can divert resources from life-saving care. A glass of water after every couple of drinks will ease the pain on your body as well as the pressure on our services."
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