The report, which summarised admissions in the UK and the Republic of Ireland, found:
- There were 18,498 admissions to PICU in 2023: averaging around 50 per day.
- Mortality for children in PICU was 3.7% of 2023 admissions (an improvement from 3.9% in 2022).
- No units were identified as a statistical outlier for mortality, i.e. having a higher or lower mortality rate than we would have expected given the children they care for.
- Children living in highest areas of deprivation were more likely to be admitted to a PICU and children from least deprived areas were less likely to be admitted.
- The percentage of admissions from Asian and Black ethnicities increased in 2023 to 18.3% from 17.1% in 2022.
- Respiratory admissions were the most common primary diagnosis, making up just under 30% of all PICU admissions in 2023.
RCPCH Vice-President for Policy, Dr Mike McKean, said:
Children from ethnic minority groups and deprived areas being more likely to be admitted to PICUs highlights just how dangerous and life-threatening health inequalities can be. It’s clear that much more needs to be done to reach these underserved communities. It is essential that health inequalities driven by poverty and racial inequality are addressed to improve child health outcomes, as well as reduce pressures on the NHS and the paediatric workforce in the long term.
The data also shows that demand for PICUs remains high, with RSV remaining one of the most common causes for admission. A reduction in RSV cases annually would allow us to focus on the many other children and young people requiring emergency care over winter months. Thankfully we now have a safe and effective vaccine to tackle RSV and reduce pressure on our health services. We strongly encourage all pregnant mothers to take up the RSV in order to protect themselves and their babies this winter and beyond.