HUNDREDS of people in Swindon are being admitted to hospital because of self-inflicted injuries.

Mental health charity Mind is concerned about the record amount of admissions for self-harm in the town which reflects a nationwide trend.

Public Health England data shows there were 890 emergency hospital admissions for self-harm in Swindon in 2018/19 – the most since ​comparable records began in 2010/11.

That’s 407 cases for every 100,000 people in the area​ – more than double the rate of 193 cases per 100,000 people across England.

Mind’s head of policy and campaigns Vicki Nash said the increase was “worrying”, but that it was hard to say exactly what was causing it.

She added: “Whatever the reason we end up there, A&E can be a frightening place for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis.

“That’s why we want to make sure as many people as possible get the support they need long before they reach that point.

“We also need to take into account the wider social issues such as poor housing, employment issues and financial strain, which can all have a huge impact on our mental health.

“The NHS in England has promised £2.3 billion a year for mental health, but we must see this reach the front line if we are going to see people’s experiences on the ground improve.”

The likelihood of women across England being admitted to hospital for self-harm continues to be much higher than for men, the figures show.

Swindon was no exception last year, when the admission rate for women was 548 per 100,000, compared to 271 in 100,000 for men.

This is the highest female rate of any area in England and the widest disparity between the sexes.

Ms Nash added: "Experiences such as domestic violence and abuse can increase the likelihood of women experiencing a mental health problem."

You are also much more likely to end up in hospital for self-harm if you live in a deprived neighbourhood.

A Great Western Hospital spokeswoman said: "“Our staff are trained to refer patients who are struggling with their mental health or self-harm to the Mental Health Liaison Service based at the Great Western Hospital.

"This service is provided by the Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust and offers assessment and treatment to patients.”

Head of mental health at Public Health England Clare Perkins said: “Tackling self-harm requires a joined-up approach across local NHS services, social care, schools and the wider community to ensure people and their families are supported through life’s challenges.”