Christmas booze warning as alcohol presentations surge at Geelong emergency department

Authorities are urging against festive season booze binges after a surge in alcohol-fuelled incidents in Geelong in the hope of avoiding past incidents that have hurt both drunkards and their victims.

Doctors are warning Geelong residents to be wary of their booze consumption this Christmas, amid Barwon Health reporting an increase in alcohol and drug-related presentations since restrictions eased last month.

Barwon Health emergency medicine director Belinda Hibble said a rise in risk-taking behaviours associated with alcohol and drug use had resulted in an increase in people seeking treatment for accidental injuries and falls, and illnesses related to alcohol excess, such as pancreatitis, liver damage and stomach complaints.

“Anecdotally we have also seen an increase in assaults and family violence associated with drug and alcohol use,” Dr Hibble said.

“We have also seen an increase in presentations related to psychological distress and mental health concerns in the past month.

“People often become quite impulsive when affected by alcohol, and so we see an increase in risk taking behaviour, overdoses and self-harm requiring attendance at the ED.”

Dr Hibble said the health service expected these presentations would continue to increase, as they had during other years over the holiday period.

Alcohol related presentations at Geelong hospital’s emergency department have increased ahead of Christmas after Covid restrictions eased. Picture: iStock

“A jump in social gatherings, Christmas parties, warmer weather and holiday-makers in the region increases the number of alcohol-related presentations to the ED,” she said.

Local GP and Western Victoria Primary Health Network clinical spokeswoman Anne Stephenson said doctors had seen more alcohol related harm in the last two years than previously seen.

“Many people have consumed more alcohol over the last two years largely due to the Covid-19 pandemic,” she said.

Dr Stephenson warned Christmas could be a trigger for people with alcohol issues.

“Family conflict often comes to a head around Christmas and some people feel they need to drink to cope with that, often making the conflict worse,” Dr Stephenson said.

“Many people are socially isolated and having no-one to spend Christmas with can exacerbate their feelings of loneliness.

“Others may indulge themselves by drinking due to the relief at getting through a very difficult year.”

Barwon Child, Youth and Family mental health and alcohol and other drugs services manager Josie Taylor said the festive season could often be a difficult time for people with alcohol and drug issues, particularly if they were suffering due to significant life events such as grief or loss, separation from children, or other factors such as loneliness or financial hardship.

“If you notice changes in someone’s behaviour, don’t make assumptions but do let them know you care,” Ms Taylor said.

Dr Hibble urged people to try to stick to the safe drinking recommendations – no more than 10 standard drinks per week, and no more than four standard drinks per day.

“If you’re feeling low or distressed, please reach out to your healthcare providers before reaching for the bottle – our services are here to support you,” she said.

WHEN CHRISTMAS TURNS VIOLENT

A series of assaults have been recorded in Geelong over past festive periods.

Here are some of the incidents that have made it to court.

TRADIE JAILED AFTER COP ASSAULT

Tradie Luke Allan was jailed after punching a policeman in the face after a boozy work Christmas party in Geelong last year.

He was sentenced to a 90-day prison term in February after pleading guilty to assault and driving offences.

Allan, a plasterer, had been enjoying end-of-year drinks with work colleagues when he launched an attack on a police officer on December 18, 2020.

Luke Allan. Picture: Facebook

Allan and two others were crammed inside a two-seater ute when a pair of officers intercepted the vehicle on Price Street, Torquay, about 8.45pm.

Prosecutor Senior Constable Kylie Jane said police noticed the trio appeared intoxicated, while Allan was sitting in the middle of the ute where there was no seat available.

After being asked for his name, Allan told officers to “f--k off” before exiting the vehicle.

The court heard he then walked towards a senior constable and punched the officer to the right side of the cheek.

CHRISTMAS DRINKS TURN VIOLENT

A pub patron was left with screws and metal plates in his jaw after Christmas break-up drinks turned violent in Geelong.

Belmont man Bradley O’Neil in July, 2019 admitted he launched a one-punch attack against the victim over claims the man had insulted him.

The Geelong Magistrates’ Court heard the violent incident occurred at The Inn Hotel shortly before midnight on December 21, 2018.

Police prosecutor Senior Constable David Vanderpol said the pub was busy on the night with a large number of workers enjoying end-of-year drinks at the CBD venue.

He said the victim was standing in the beer garden with two work colleagues when he was punched to the face “out of nowhere”.

The court heard O’Neil’s punch caused the man to stagger backwards into the arms of a security guard, before the victim caught an Uber to Geelong hospital, where he remained for three nights.

O’Neil pleaded guilt to recklessly causing injury and was fined $800 and placed on a 12-month corrections order.

DRUNK GRANDMA EGGS NEIGHBOUR’S HOME

A Norlane grandmother punched and slapped her wheelchair-bound neighbour after hurling eggs at her home when a street Christmas party turned ugly, a court heard.

Cheryl Woods admitted assaulting the double-amputee, and taunting her by yelling “You’re a lazy, fat, legless b-, come out on the street”.

Geelong Magistrates’ Court heard the nasty incident happened about 10.30pm on December 21, 2017 following a street Christmas party in Norlane, and was witnessed by an independent neighbour.

The victim and her intellectually disabled teenage daughter heard smashing sounds on their driveway, and looked outside to see their drunken neighbour throwing eggs at their home.

On her mother’s instructions, the daughter went outside to clean the mess, prompting Woods, who lives across the street, to yell insults and kick over their rubbish bins.

Magistrate Peter Mellas was told Woods agreed to plead guilty to charges of assault, using threatening words and throwing a missile after police tempered the summary of her offences.

He said the woman, a single mother, was “overwhelmingly of good character”.

Mr Mellas in 2018 put Woods on an undertaking, meaning she could avoid further sentence or conviction if she stayed out of trouble for a year.

Originally published as Christmas booze warning as alcohol presentations surge at Geelong emergency department