Policy & Practice: Health check - Teenage mental health Telford andWrekin

Actual hospital admissions of 15- to 19-year-olds from 2002-05: 241 Expected hospital admissions of 15- to 19-year-olds from 2002-05: 58

Males represent some three-quarters of admissions for mental health, with the majority of admissions coming from deprived areas. This would suggest that the problem has its roots in poverty and social deprivation. But although the demographics for Telford and Wrekin reveal a socially divided region, the problem of drugs and alcohol abuse is no greater than in other comparable areas of the UK. It is clear that more research needs to be done.

Source: Actual admissions represent emergency hospital admissions for the financial years 2002-03 to 2004-05 combined. Expected admissions are calculated by applying the national rate to the population in each relevant local authority for the age group and condition selected. Data compiled for Young People Now by the Dr Foster unit at Imperial College, London (www.drfoster.co.uk). Area descriptions provided by Experian.