Inpatient costs and paramilitary punishment beatings in Northern Ireland

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 ($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.