Children in England's poorest areas face higher hospital admission rates for respiratory illness
NHS England data shows children in the most deprived parts of England were far more likely to be admitted for breathing-related infections in 2024/25.
Children living in England's most deprived neighbourhoods were admitted to hospital for respiratory infections at a much higher rate than those in better-off areas in 2024/25, according to analysis of NHS England data. The findings have prompted renewed concern about the health effects of polluted air on young people.
The analysis, carried out from information released through freedom of information requests and compiled by the charity Impact on Urban Health, found 1,941 admissions per 100,000 children in the poorest fifth of areas. That was about 40% higher than the rate recorded among children in more affluent parts of the country.
The figures add to evidence that deprivation and air quality are linked to childhood illness, particularly in urban areas where pollution exposure is often greater. The data cover England and were drawn from NHS England records for the 2024/25 year.
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