Rising Baby Emergency Visits Show the Need for Stronger Early Years Support in Communities

Researchers from our Child Population Health theme are deeply concerned by new evidence showing a 42% increase in emergency department visits by babies and young children aged 0–4 across England in the past decade. In 2022–23 alone, there were 2.6 million attendances. Four out of five children were not admitted, and many received no investigations or treatment. Most of these cases could have been managed safely closer to home. In Northwest London, 59% of infant emergency visits required no treatment, costing an estimated £1.8 million annually. 

Parents often seek emergency care to gain reassurance and guidance, particularly around recognising serious illness, and to feel confident managing their child’s health. During the COVID-19 pandemic, parents avoided overwhelmed hospitals and highlighted how much they valued access to trusted local services. This underscores the importance of accessible, community-based support. Our Early Years Health Hub pilots in Harrow, Brent and Ealing already show how integrated neighbourhood services can provide trusted advice on feeding, crying, sleep and minor illness. 

Behind these figures lie significant challenges, including a 40% reduction in the health visiting workforce, £858 million in public health funding cuts, and reduced access to trusted local services. England also faces a national shortage of approximately 5,000 health visitors, limiting the support available for families and increasing pressure on emergency departments. First-time parents, families in deprived areas and those from Black and minority ethnic communities are particularly affected.

Our recent research, ‘Troubling rise in emergency department attendance of babies and young children in England: Time to focus on prevention and support’, further strengthens the case for investing in robust, accessible, community-based early years care. Community-based drop-in clinics and improved health literacy could prevent many non-urgent ED visits. By supporting parents where they live, these hubs are already reducing unnecessary A&E visits and improving parental confidence. Investing in preventive early years care not only supports families but also reduces costs for the health system. 

“Babies and young children are the 'canaries in the coal mine'; when their needs are unmet, it signals wider failings in our health system.” - Mitch Blair, Professor of Paediatrics and Child Public Health, Imperial College London.

Sustained investment is essential to rebuilding health visiting services, workforce planning that ensures enough trained professionals meet demand, and stronger coordination between health, social care, and community partners. Strengthening neighbourhood-level services such as the Early Years Health Hubs can prevent avoidable emergency visits, ease pressure on hospitals and give every child a healthier start in life.