Two additional mental health nurses have been appointed by the trust that runs hospitals serving the Shotley peninsula after it was revealed hundreds of young people intentionally poisoned or harmed themselves and needed hospital treatment.

NHS Digital data shows there were about 235 admissions for self-harm or self-poisoning for children aged nine to 17 at East Suffolk and North Essex Foundation Trust (ESNFT) hospitals between 2020 and 2021.

ESNFT run the hospitals used by Shotley peninsula residents, including Ipswich, Colchester, Felixstowe and Harwich and trust chiefs believe there will be another two years of mental health turmoil for young people.

Of the admissions last year at ESNEFT, between 191 and 197 were for self-poisoning – excluding alcohol – and between 36 and 42 were for self-harm.

Across England, at least 20,520 hospital admissions for self-harm or poisoning for youngsters aged nine to 17 were recorded last year.

This was up from 20,400 the year before, and the highest number since records began in 2007-08.

Hospital bosses aired their concerns about the escalating situation at the trust's board meeting last week and chief nurse Giles Thorpe revealed two registered mental health nurses for children and young people have been appointed to help alleviate the situation.

Chief medical officer Angela Tillett said: "Young people have been very significantly impacted by the pandemic.

"We were not where we wanted to be before Covid, and now I imagine we are going to see another two years of young people struggling unfortunately."

Chief executive Nick Hulme said: Chief executive Nick Hulme stated he will be keeping a close eye on the situation.

He added: "I think we have been providing the right escalation along with local support and specialists going into the wards.

"Staff have said they feel supported and we've offered additional psychological support.

"We are covering all bases and I will continue to keep a close eye on the emerging situation."