The shift towards a cashless society has brought about an unexpected benefit, according to doctors, who have observed a significant decrease in the number of children needing surgery after swallowing items that could potentially choke or kill them. This decrease is largely attributed to the scarcity of loose change in households, thanks to the rise in contactless payments.
In England, NHS figures reveal a substantial drop in the number of children requiring operations to have foreign objects removed from their nose, throat, or airway between 2012 and 2022. The fall of 689 cases in the year, representing a decline of 29%, is a welcome development for doctors and surgeons. They have long been advocating for increased awareness regarding the dangers of children ingesting small and risky objects such as magnets, tiny batteries, and coins.
The Royal College of Surgeons of England, which analyzed hospital admission data, considers the increasing prevalence of cashless transactions as the primary reason for this reduction in surgical procedures. Historically, coins accounted for more than 75% of objects swallowed by children under six. With fewer coins present in households, there has been a noticeable decrease in instances of children swallowing such items.
Despite these positive trends, experts caution that parents should remain vigilant about the risks associated with small shiny objects that resemble coins, such as button batteries and magnets. These items can cause severe internal complications, potentially leading to tragic outcomes, if ingested. Reports have highlighted the tragic case of a one-year-old girl who had to undergo bowel removal after ingesting metal balls from a toy.
Doctors emphasize that parents should not hesitate to take their children to the hospital if they suspect that a dangerous object has been swallowed, even if there are no immediate symptoms. The Royal College of Emergency Medicine advises that it is always better to be cautious in such situations.
Overall, this decline in surgeries is not only beneficial for children’s safety but also offers relief to NHS services, which are under significant pressure. However, continued vigilance and awareness about the potential risks are essential for ensuring the ongoing safety of children.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/mar/28/decline-of-cash-credited-for-drop-in-nhs-surgery-for-children-swallowing-objects
