The CIPHE has issued a warning that scalding and central heating system related contact burns continue to pose a grave risk to households, as NHS Digital reveals its latest hospital admissions data.
The NHS Digital Hospital Admitted Patient Care Activity 2020-21 for England shows:
- Between 1st April 2020 and 31st March 2021, there were 812 admissions for burn injuries caused via contact with heating appliances, radiators and pipes
- Over 90% of heating appliance burns were emergencies
- There were 602 admissions from scald injuries from taps
- Very young children and the elderly are the most at risk, with children in the 0-4 age range accounting for 24% of finished consultant episodes and the over 70’s accounting for a further 24%.
Kevin Wellman, CEO of the CIPHE comments: “The figures from NHS Digital remain far too high and the most vulnerable in society continue to be at a grave risk from household scalds and burns. The number of very young children being afflicted with injuries is tragic – especially as most incidents will have been avoidable with the use of thermostatic mixing valves (TMVs), or having precautions such as low surface temperature radiators in place. We know that when it comes to the elderly, we are often looking at lone households in older homes, that typically feature outdated plumbing technology. This puts elderly households at much higher risk, which isn’t helped by weak legislation on TMVs.
“With winter approaching, and the vulnerable more likely to stay indoors due to the pandemic, installers are very much at the front line of educating households in heating and hot water system safety – especially those with young, elderly or disabled occupants. Without robust legislation, it’s once again down to the industry to help teach and protect the public.”
