Almost 4,900 children attend adult EDs in self-harm crises 

The study said 'limited access' to community-based services may require many children to attend the ED 'at times of crisis because there is nowhere else to go'.

Almost 4,900 children under the age of 17 attended adult emergency departments for self-harm and suicide-related thoughts over a five-year period, according to new Irish research.

The study reveals that almost half of the presentations of children and young adults occurred after weekday office hours — commenting that “at times of crisis there is nowhere else to go”.