Croydon (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Croydon reports 29,715 A&E visits for children under four—111% above London’s average—highlighting concerns over playground safety and supervision.
With nearly 30,000 hospital admissions over the previous 12 months, Croydon had the most A&E visits for children under four in the city, according to new data.
Compared to London’s average of 14,043, Croydon’s total of 29,715 hospital visits in April 2023 was 111% greater. Enfield finished third with 24,960 cases, while Hounslow came in second with 25,985 visits.
As more kids are anticipated to spend time outside during the spring and summer, the numbers become more apparent. According to national statistics, 32% of children have been involved in an accident or been hurt on a playground, frequently as a result of subpar or dangerous equipment.
A&E attendance rates may rise as a result of some families’ complicated trips through urgent care facilities, which can involve switching between GP hubs, NHS 111, and A&E.
The investments made by Croydon University Hospital in critical care services and a new children’s care unit could affect referral trends and promote the usage of hospital services.
David Marrington, health and fitness manager at Harlow Leisurezone, said:
“Playgrounds are a fantastic place for children to develop their physical and social skills, but safety should always come first.
Always make sure the playground is designed for your child’s age group. The older play areas and the younger children’s areas are usually separate.
Avoid letting them climb tall structures meant for older children and keep boundaries between the little ones and older kids to make sure there is respect and understanding.”
He said that it is important to always keep an eye on your child, especially toddlers who may not be as aware of their surroundings as older children. Stay close enough to intervene when they are using high or moving equipment to avoid accidents from happening.
Newham and Barnet completed the top five boroughs with 23,225 and 21,140 visitors, respectively. With only 5,805 hospital admissions within the same time period, Kensington and Chelsea was determined to be the safest borough for young children.
Mr. Marrington also suggested that parents prioritize play places with grass, rubber, or sand surfaces and inspect playground equipment for damage before letting kids use it.
He added:
“Always encourage your child to use both hands on any bars while climbing and not to jump from high equipment unless a guardian is there to help. Remember to tell your child to slide feet first and wait for others to clear the bottom of the slide before going.
We all know children can push boundaries and try and give them the freedom to explore with safety rules around them. Praise them for being safe and making the correct decisions.”
He said that the enjoyment of a play park can be impacted by the weather, and it is important to wear appropriate outdoor clothing.
Always wear sun cream in the sun. It is important to check for slippery surfaces in wet conditions and avoid metal slides and equipment in extreme heat to prevent burns during the heatwave season.
What factors are contributing to the increase in A&E visits for toddlers in Croydon?
Concerns over the safety of recreational areas are reflected in national statistics showing that almost one in three children (32%) had been involved in an accident or been injured in a playground.
The total number of toddlers in Croydon is rising as the population of young children grows.
Many parents pick A&E as their first port of call for urgent medical difficulties because they have trouble scheduling GP appointments.
About 15% of respondents stated they had trouble getting in touch with general practitioners, and 40% said they felt their child’s injury was too serious for other treatments or that they needed to see a doctor right away.