A CHARITY has expressed its concern at a rise in the number of people admitted to hospital with acquired brain injuries (ABI).

Last year there were more than 28,000 hospital admissions for ABI-related conditions in Yorkshire and Humberside, according a new report by brain injury charity Headway. The figure is a six per cent increase on 2006/07.

In Bradford last year, said Headway, there were approximately 3,000 ABI hospital admissions in Bradford and district.

A particular concern for Headway is the increase in head injury admissions for females in Yorkshire and Humber, up 15 per cent since 2006/07 and reflecting a national trend.

The charity has compiled its figures using hospital admissions statistics. They include non-superficial head injuries, strokes, brain tumours, encephalitis, and a variety of additional conditions.

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Headway's findings for 2013/14 in Yorkshire and the Humber include: 28,642 admissions for ABI; 537 admissions for ABI per 100,000 of the population; 13,505 admissions for head injury;253 head injuries per 100,000 of the population; males are 1.8 times more likely than females to be admitted for a head injury; and 10,273 stroke admissions, up nine per cent since 2006/07.

Pam Drake, secretary of the Shipley-based Headway Bradford, said: "These new figures are a real cause for concern.

"Admission to hospital for an ABI-related diagnosis does not necessarily mean a patient will be left with short or long-term deficits requiring rehabilitation or support. Many of those admitted each year will be left with no lasting cognitive, physical, or behavioural deficits as a result of their injuries.

"Many others, however, will not be so lucky and will face an arduous battle to rebuild their lives and re-learn lost skills most of us take for granted, including walking and talking. Even those who make good recoveries are still likely to require some short-term support and information from charities like Headway Bradford.

"Such a significant number of people admitted to hospital with ABI-related diagnoses, coupled with the fact the majority of these people will survive, suggests an ever-increasing demand on our services.

"We hope that these statistics will make people realise that brain injury is more common than they may have realised. It can happen to anyone at any time and, when it does, we're here to help. But we need more support to ensure we can continue to support local people to rebuild their lives."

Headway Bradford supports people affected by brain injury. To donate to the charity, or to pledge fundraising or voluntary support, contact the branch on 07856 076866 or visit headwaybradford.org.uk.