Almost half of child burn cases at UK hospital involve under-twos

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 06:08 · Archive

Almost half of paediatric burn assessments at Queen Victoria Hospital involve children aged two and under. The hospital's Paediatric Assessment Unit carried out 613 new assessments of children with burn injuries between January and August 2026.

Scalds were responsible for half of these injuries, while nearly a third were contact burns. Hot drinks were the most common cause, responsible for 132 injuries during the period. Other household items frequently involved included ovens, hobs, hair straighteners, hot water bottles, barbecues, treadmills and heaters.

Baljit Dheansa, consultant plastic surgeon at Queen Victoria Hospital, said the findings 'highlight just how vulnerable young children are to burns in the home'. The hospital said it is seeing a year-on-year rise in burns from instant noodle pots, which tend to be more severe and require longer healing times. Staff shared these findings during a public awareness event in support of Burns Awareness Day.

How it is being reported

• Nearly half of children treated for burns are aged two and underAlmost half of paediatric burn assessments involve children aged two and under.The Argus · 16 Oct, 05:00
• Almost half of paediatric burn assessments at QVH involve children aged two and underSee the latest news from Your World at https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/your-worldChichester Observer · 14 Oct, 15:58

In this story: Queen Victoria Hospital · Baljit Dheansa · Haskins Snowhill Garden Centre

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