Hospital admissions for youths assaulted with sharp objects up almost 60%
NHS England says that teenagers accounted for more than 1,000 admissions to hospitals, as a result of assaults where knives or sharp objects were involved.
Figures show admissions for all injuries caused by an assault with knife or other sharp objects have gone up by almost a third since 2012-13, from 3,849 to 4,986 last year.
However, admissions involving youngsters aged between 10 and 19 increased nearly twice as fast, with 656 hospital admissions in 2012-13 up to 1,012 last year – a rise of around 55%.
Doctors have blamed the availability of knives on the high street for the increase in incidents.
Prof Chris Moran, national clinical director for trauma, NHS England, said: “Violent crime destroys lives, devastates families, and diverts doctors’ time away from other essential patient care.
“Changes to NHS trauma services have saved an extra 1,600 lives in recent years, but hospital visits linked to knife crime and other violence is a major cause for concern and puts extra pressure on our expert staff.
“The NHS Long Term Plan sets out more improvements to emergency care services across the country, with more people able to get faster urgent care without the need for an overnight stay in hospital.
“However, far too many young people are able to buy knives on the high street, and we need councils and retailers to work together to stop this.”
Published: by Radio NewsHub