PEOPLE going to hospital following alcohol-related incidents have massively increased over the last five years, according to figures.

The amount of emergency admissions to Bexley hospitals have increased by 72 per cent since 2002, from 706 in 2002/2003, increasing to 1,228 in 2006/2007.

MP for Bexleyheath and Crayford David Evennett was given the figures following a parliamentary question.

Mr Evennett raised his concerns over the figures in the House of Commons with Health Secretary Alan Johnson MP.

He said: “Does that not show that Government policies on tackling the public health problems caused by alcohol are not working, and why we need our vital accident and emergency hospital department at Queen Mary’s in Sidcup?”

Mr Johnson said an independent panel was still reviewing the decision over Queen Mary’s.