by Sarah Shaffi

sshaffi@thekmgroup.co.uk

Figures for trampoline injuries this summer have seen a bounce.

The number of children treated at hospital for trampolining injuries in Medway has shot up by 25 per cent, compared to last year, in the past few weeks.

Schools in Medway have now been asked to pass notices to parents on behalf of NHS Medway, warning them of the dangers their children face during the summer holidays.

The letters, which can be sent out at the school's discretion, give advice on how youngsters should be protected in the sun and details on where parents should turn to in case of injuries.

A spokesman for NHS Medway said: "It is really just about the NHS being as helpful as possible. We can see where particular things are happening and can spot trends.

"Both sunburn and trampoline injuries are preventable."

According to Medway Maritime Hospital, 25 children were treated for trampoline-related injuries between June 1 and July 18 this year.

This is a 25 per cent increase on the same time the previous year, when 20 people were seen.

The letter says: "Trampoline injuries can be serious. Please use safety nets round trampolines and make sure that those jumping, including adults, do not bounce into each other or over the edge."

Parents are also warned about the dangers of sunburn. They are told to use a sunscreen with a minimum factor 15 and apply it to all areas not covered by clothing, including the ears and backs of hands.

The letter says: "Spending a lot of time in the sun, especially when young, will cause damage to the genetic material of skin cells which may develop into skin cancer 15-30 years later."

Parents have also been given details on how to access medical care out of hours as an alternative to going to hospital.

The NHS Medway spokesman said: "There are lots of services in Medway. Accident and Emergency is there for people, but it is for life threatening injuries.

"We want to be helpful and remind people of what else is out there."