The cost of a hot drink scald

Approximately 6400 children per year are admitted to UK hospitals for treatment of burns [National Burn Care Review Committee Report (NBCRC). Standards and Strategy for Burn Care: a review of burn care in the British Isles. 2001.]. This paper investigates the financial costs involved in the management of uncomplicated, minor paediatric scalds. Three cases (2-4% TBSA scalds) were studied to quantify consumables used, services required during management and costs obtained from appropriate Purchasing Departments and Directorate Accountants. Management in all cases involved a general anaesthetic for cleaning of wounds, application of BioBrane(R) (Bertek Pharmaceuticals) and dressings, observation on Children's Ward and discharge following wound review at 48 h. The calculated mean average cost per case was 1850 pound. In the period 01/12/2002-30/11/2003, 144 children were admitted to Frenchay hospital, Bristol, for treatment of a minorburn or scald (less than 10% TBSA). This caseload is therefore estimated to currently cost;266,400 pound per year. These findings may facilitate improved planning for future resource allocation and could also contribute evidence towards the cost effectiveness of prevention strategies. (C) 2005 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.