Someone is admitted to hospital in Sussex every 15 minutes because of alcohol.

The shocking statistic is revealed in figures that show the fight to get the county’s drinking habit under control is not being won.

The number of people needing hospital treatment for alcohol-related harm across the county has risen by more than 11% in one year.

Experts say a combination of a drinking culture, easily available cheap alcohol at all hours of the day and night and a rise in stress and anxiety are contributing to the growing problem.

There were 33,813 admissions to the county’s hospitals last year for conditions including liver disease, stroke and high blood pressure as well as for injuries following drink-related fights or accidents.

The year before it was just over 30,000. Every city, district and borough throughout Sussex is reporting a rise in hospital stays.

It means all areas of the county, ranging from the most affluent to the most deprived, are drinking more than is good for them.

The information comes from a report by the Association of Public Health Observatories.

The problem includes younger people being admitted to hospital because of a night out drinking or partying in a town centre or alcoholics living on the streets.

The figures also reflect the growing number of middle-aged or older people who are drinking behind closed doors.

Holly Margetts, the quality and development manager for alcohol misuse for NHS Sussex, said: “Regularly drinking more than the recommended units of alcohol has a direct effect on health.

“Many people don’t realise the harm they are doing to themselves by drinking too much alcohol. “It is not just binge drinkers or alcoholics who are making up the number of people admitted to hospital.

“Alcohol misuse affects all sections of society and hospital admissions also come from the people who drink more than they should over a long period of time.

“In the last year we have invested in hospital based alcohol liaison nurses, who support patients coming into our hospitals as a result of alcohol, offering them advice and information about local alcohol support services.

“We are also working closely with local authorities to increase the number of people out in the community who can offer help and advice.”