The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) has published data about A&E attendances among children and young people between 2019 and 2025 in England. Findings include: there has been a 36% increase in mental health-related attendances since 2019 with the largest relative increase among 6-9-year-olds; extreme waits are becoming more common; and more children are becoming ‘stuck’ in A&E. The report makes recommendations around the government’s upcoming mental health strategy, strengthening crisis pathways for children and young people, and prioritising early intervention.
Read the report: Children in crisis: mental health pressures in emergency departments
Source: Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health
Date published: 02 September 2026
