title: Facing up to drink problems.
abstract: Alcohol liaison nurse Deb Smith is one of the faces of a campaign to highlight how excessive drinking by members of the public affects healthcare workers. Based at Sunderland Royal Hospital emergency department, Ms Smith sees first hand how many people attend after having drunk too much. 'These patients can be very demanding and self-centred,' she explains. 'Often, there is shouting; sometimes, they get aggressive and, on occasion, they fight. This increases the pressure when you are helping other patients who are really poorly.' The I Have a Drink Problem campaign was launched last month by the public-sector organisation Balance, which promotes alcohol awareness in the north east of England. For details, go to www.balancenortheast.co.uk.