Neknomination fears for Yeovil Hospital

HEALTH chiefs at Yeovil District Hospital fear they could be facing an influx of patients with alcohol-related injuries and illnesses due to the latest craze hitting the nation – Neknomination.

The online drinking game has gained momentum in recent weeks across the country and the aim is to down a pint of booze and then nominate someone else to do the same, giving them a window of 24 hours to do so.

Most people who take part make a video of themselves downing the pint and post it on social media platforms such as Facebook or Twitter.

But what might seem like a bit of fun has taken on a much more serious mood with the drinking game being linked to two deaths of young people elsewhere in the UK.

Now Yeovil District Hospital has advised people to think very carefully before taking part in Neknomination.

A hospital spokesman said: “The dangers of binge drinking, such as that encouraged by this latest phenomenon, are very real.

“Every year our emergency department treats hundreds of patients suffering injuries and illness caused by excess alcohol, including trauma caused by people falling or taking unusual risks, through to the aspiration of vomit while unconscious.

“What may seem like fun at the time can have serious and even fatal consequences.”

The spokesman said there was nothing "at present" to differentiate a Neknominate participant from any other alcohol admission at the hospital’s A&E department.

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