A liaison psychiatrist based at Northwick Park Hospital has won a grant to fund a new project to help alcoholics in Brent.

The programme led by Dr Alex Thomson will help patients struggling with the symptoms associated with the withdrawal of alcohol.

Using medication and education the project will ensure that patients are receiving the recommended treatments.

Throughout their treatment any changes will be recorded as will their reaction and their experience.

Dr Thomson said: “We hope that the changes will mean that people with alcohol dependence spend less time in hospital.”

“We’re going to approach patient groups in Brent and Harrow, and ask them the best way to involve patients in developing and delivering our training.”