Policy context

Hospital admissions data provides a clear picture of the disease burden on children and young people, encompassing a wide range of health issues from infectious diseases to chronic conditions. These admissions are essential for public health surveillance, aiding in the identification of disease outbreaks and emerging health trends.

Moreover, hospital admissions data offers insights into healthcare quality and accessibility. Elevated admission rates may signal deficiencies in preventive care, primary healthcare, or vaccination programs, highlighting areas that require attention to reduce hospitalisation needs.

High child hospital admission rates can also reflect broader societal issues affecting children's wellbeing, such as poverty or environmental hazards, emphasising the importance of addressing underlying determinants of health.