Aims: To provide a general hospital training programme that enhances the likelihood of identifying and approaching patients with alcohol-related problems upon which interventions and referrals to specialist addiction in-reach nurses would impact. Delivery of training: Twenty wards were identified as having a high rate of admissions for alcohol-related disorders, and a brief mandatory training session with follow-up supervision was provided in collaboration with senior hospital and ward management. Training content: Feedback during training and follow-ups was used to develop the Approach and Refer method, a more succinct intervention with fewer formal elements. Following modification, less resistance to delivering the intervention was expressed. Attendance: A total of 561 nursing staff were identified as potential recipients of training, 75% (n = 421) attended and 135 (32% of 421) had follow-up supervisions, some of whom received repeat supervisions with 187 follow-ups provided in total. A further 142 staff from other wards or professional groups attended training. Conclusions: Duration of training, proximity to wards and mandatory designation were important elements in the successful delivery of the programme. Pre- and post-training evaluation is underway and will inform future training plans.