Health expert in Rotorua to talk about alcohol harm on society

Clinical toxicologist and Wellington Regional Hospital emergency medicine specialist, Dr Paul Quigley, is in Rotorua this week to speak about the harmful impacts of alcohol on New Zealand society.

Dr Quigley is both a frontline clinician dealing on a daily basis with drug and alcohol related injury, and a respected researcher on the effects of party drugs and legal highs in New Zealand.

He will be speaking to community groups, liquor licence holders and council personnel at Rotorua District Council’s Civic Centre on Friday morning [1 August].

While in Rotorua he is also making a separate presentation to Rotorua Hospital senior medical staff.

District councillor and Inner City Revitalisation portfolio lead, Karen Hunt, says vibrant and lively cities invariably have a bustling night time economy, with restaurants, bars and entertainment venues adding to their vitality.

“However there can be a real downside, with those in the health care sector having to deal with the effects of excessive alcohol consumption on a daily basis, particularly those manning our emergency departments.

“So it’s important that we acknowledge and do all we can to understand the seriousness of the matter. And it’s critical that we continue to highlight the high social and economic cost of what is an escalating but preventable problem,” says Ms Hunt.

Dr Quigley’s presentation in Rotorua District Council’s council chamber at 10.15am on Friday (1 August) is also open to other community members with an interest in the effects of alcohol on society. To register for the presentation contact Linda Johnston at Rotorua District Council by email to linda.johnston@rdc.govt.nz, or by telephone on 07 351 8172.

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