Citation

O'Neill C, Durkin P, Mcalister D, Dogra AS, McAnespie M. Eur. J. Public Health 2002; 12(1): 69-71.

Affiliation

School of Public Policy, Economics and Law, University of Ulster at Jordanstown, Newtownabbey BT37 0QB, Northern Ireland. c.oneill2@ulst.ac.uk

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, Oxford University Press)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

11968524

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Paramilitary punishment beatings are a common occurrence in Northern Ireland. Little is known about the costs such attacks impose on the health service. METHODS: Data was collected retrospectively on victims treated by Northern Ireland's regional specialist orthopaedics unit. Data related to all victims treated in the unit between January 1999 and May 2000. RESULTS: Average inpatient care costs were 2010 Pounds ($2914). There was no significant difference in these between patients who were shot and those who were beaten. CONCLUSION: Punishment beatings present a small but significant cost burden to the health service. A fuller understanding of them from a health care perspective is warranted.

Language: en