Alcoholic hand gels removed from hospitals after patients use them to get drunk

Two hospitals in Staffordshire have decided to remove the dispensers from their wards, with the NHS so concerned about the thefts they have issued a Patient Safety Alert to all hospitals and clinics across the UK.

The cleanser, which has been in the NHS for more than four years and is used to tackle hospital-acquired infections such as MRSA, contains 75 per cent proof alcohol, nearly twice the strength of whisky.

The gel is supposedly undrinkable thanks to the foul tasting chemical additive bitrex but paramedics who have treated patients found with the dispensers say addicts will simply "drink through" the taste.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/4902085/Alcoholic-hand-gels-removed-from-hospitals-after-patients-use-them-to-get-drunk.html

The 75 percent proof alcohol only accounts for 6 percent of the hand - scrub
The rest is basically water and you would need to drink an awful lot to get drunk. I won't say whether i've tried it or not.

Urgh I know this stuff is horrible as my mum was in hospital for quite a few months with cancer and the state of my hands after washing them four/five times a day with that stuff - I can't imagine what there insides must feel like. Its a shame because it really is effective stuff.

just silly people, abusing stuff, ruins it for all else

abit of an after taste. what about the rest of the hospital with mrsa?

just shows though some drunks will drink anything We used to get them Knicking antifreeze and screenwash when i worked for rovers, the thing is antifreeze is incredably toxic.

and it sends you blind! whats more surgical spirit makes u S*** blood too!