June 20, 2013 11.25 am This story is over 129 months old

Daily, 17 toddlers in Lincolnshire taken to A&E after domestic accidents

Child safety: Every day in Lincolnshire, around 17 children under the age of four are taken to hospital following domestic accidents, new A&E figures show.
Photo: Petr Kratochvil

Every day in Lincolnshire, around 17 children under the age of four are taken to hospital following domestic accidents, new A&E figures collated by Lincolnshire County Council show.

In Lincoln, 17 children under four attended A&E each week following an accident, with an additional 62 children under 17 treated weekly on average.

Across Lincolnshire, this equates to more than 6,000 hospital attendances per year.

Falls are the most common cause for hospital admission for children under 17, especially for those aged under four, the statistics show.

The figures indicate accidental injuries caused by an object in the home or garden and ingesting medicines and cleaning products are also often causes for hospital admission for children.

Councillor Patricia Bradwell, executive councillor for care, health and children’s services, said: “In 2011/12 in Lincolnshire, accidents were the most common reason for hospital admissions for children and young people, and many could have been prevented.

“Cuts and bruises are a normal part of growing up, but the risk of serious injuries and even deaths from things like poisoning, burns or choking, can be considerably reduced if basic safety measures are put in place.”

Children accidents in Lincolnshire

Figures showing A&E attendance each week following an accident in 2011/12:

  • In Boston, 10 children under 4 / 44 children under 17 attended
  • In East Lindsey, 24 children under 4 / 109 children under 17 attended
  • In Lincoln, 17 children under 4 / 62 children under 17 attended
  • In North Kesteven, 12 children under 4 / 59 children under 17 attended
  • In South Holland, 15 children under 4 / 72 children under 17 attended
  • In South Kesteven, 20 children under 4 / 90 children under 17 attended
  • In West Lindsey, 15 children under 4 / 71 children under 17 attended

Child safety week

Lincolnshire County Council is organising a series of events across the county as part of Child Safety Week to show how simple safety measures can help prevent serious injuries and even death.

The first event is on Monday, June 24, at Asda in North Hykeham from 9am to 4pm.

Parents, grandparents and carers can check they have the right safety products fitted in their home, and items such as cleats to tie up loose blind cords and prevent strangulation, are also available for free.