Childhood Injuries JSNA

Data and Intelligence

Childhood injuries are a key public health concern in Hartlepool, with several indicators showing higher rates than both regional and national averages. This analysis draws on data from 2016 to 2024 and highlights areas where targeted interventions could reduce harm and improve outcomes for children and young people.

Hospital Admissions

  • In 2023/24, hospital admissions for unintentional and deliberate injuries in:
    • Children aged 0–14 were 77.5 per 10,000 in Hartlepool, higher than England (72.7) but lower than the North East (109.8).
    • Young people aged 15–24 had a rate of 123.3, significantly higher than England (88.6) and similar to the North East (124.1).

Emergency Admissions – Injury Mechanisms (2018/19–2020/21)

  • Falls in children aged 0–4: Hartlepool’s rate was 510.4 per 100,000, higher than England (428.6).
  • Exposure to animate mechanical forces: Hartlepool recorded 95.7, more than double the national rate (39.3).
  • Accidental poisoning: Hartlepool’s rate was 159.5, compared to 114.1 nationally.

Transport-Related Injuries (2016/17–2020/21)

  • Emergency admissions for:
    • Pedestrians (0–24 yrs): 18.2 in Hartlepool vs 11.7 in England.
    • Pedal cyclists: 14.5 in Hartlepool vs 13.0 in England.
    • Motorcyclists: 14.5 in Hartlepool vs 10.4 in England.
    • Car occupants: 18.2 in Hartlepool vs 14.1 in England.

Killed or Seriously Injured (KSI) – Road Traffic Accidents (2020–2022)

  • Children aged <16: KSI rate in Hartlepool was 28.3 per 100,000, compared to 16.5 in England.
  • Age-specific KSI rates in Hartlepool were consistently higher:
    • 0–5 yrs: 11.0 vs 7.5 (England)
    • 6–10 yrs: 29.2 vs 12.3
    • 11–15 yrs: 45.1 vs 30.6

High-Risk Road Environments (2016–2020)

  • A high proportion of KSI incidents occurred on 30mph roads in Hartlepool:
    • Pedestrians: 95.2% (vs 78.7% nationally)
    • Cyclists: 100%
    • Motorcyclists: 100%
    • Car occupants: 62.5% (vs 35.3% nationally)

The data highlights several areas for strategic focus:

  • Adolescent injury prevention: High admission rates among 15–24-year-olds suggest a need for targeted interventions addressing violence, risk-taking, and mental health.
  • Home safety for under-5s: Elevated rates of falls and poisoning point to the need for parental education and home safety equipment.
  • Road safety: The high incidence of KSI on 30mph roads calls for traffic calming, safer crossings, and road safety education.
  • Data-driven planning: Continued investment in local injury surveillance will support more responsive and effective interventions.