New data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows urinary tract infections (UTIs) cost NHS hospitals more than £600 million in 2024
UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract system, including the urethra, bladder, or kidneys. Most lower UTIs cause mild discomfort and go away on their own or with a short course of antibiotics; however, some can progress to more serious infections that can affect kidney function.
The new figures reveal the current landscape of UTIs and their impact on the NHS, with the infection costing £604m in 2023-24, highlighting the urgent need for better prevention, diagnostics, and antimicrobial stewardship.
Many UTIs could be prevented
The data, collected from the Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) database, identified nearly 200,000 patients with UTI-related conditions from 2023 to 2024. This includes infections acquired in both community and hospital settings. Those admissions resulted in 1.2 million bed days, averaging six bed days per infection.
Yet, one-third of UTI patients were hospitalised for less than a day, indicating that alternative treatment pathways such as outpatient care, telemedicine, or home-based treatments could be considered.
The findings highlight the significant burden of UTIs on older people and women. 52.7% of admissions were patients aged over 70, and 61.8% were female. While females were nearly five times more likely to require hospital treatment for a UTI in people under 50 years old (24.7% female compared to 5.3% male), this levelled out in age groups over 50 (37.1% female compared to 32.9% male).
Lowest levels of hospitalisations during 2020-21
The data showed that UTI hospitalisations were at their lowest in 2020-2021, possibly influenced by COVID-19. Since then, admissions have increased, climbing by 9% in 2023 to 2024 compared to the previous year.
Dr Colin Brown, Deputy Director at UKHSA responsible for antibiotic resistance, said: “Urinary Tract Infections are a significant cause of hospitalisations in this country, but many could be prevented.
We know that the most serious consequences of UTIs are more common in people over the age of 50, so we are reminding this group in particular to be aware of the ways they can help reduce their risk of developing complications. Drinking enough fluids is so important, as well as avoiding holding onto pee. If you have frequent UTIs, talk to your healthcare provider about treatments that may help prevent further infections. If you have a UTI and your symptoms get worse, please call your GP or 111, or go to your nearest A&E to seek assistance, as UTIs can develop into more serious, life-threatening infections.
Preventing UTIs is also essential in our fight against antibiotic resistance, a condition where bacteria develop the ability to survive the effects of antibiotics, as they are often treated with antibiotics, which drives resistance in bacteria. Reducing the number of UTI infections means bacteria have less chance to develop this resistance, helping to keep antibiotics working for longer.
Dr Joanna Harris RGN PhD, Head of Infection Prevention and Control at UKHSA, said: “UTIs are a significant cause of avoidable harm, particularly among older adults and those with long-term conditions, and can lead to serious complications, including sepsis and death. It’s really important that nurses, midwives and social care workers, have the knowledge and tools to reduce the risk of UTIs occurring. When a UTI is suspected, their promotion of early and accurate diagnosis can enable timely and appropriate treatment, helping to limit the impact of the infection.”
Professor Matt Inada-Kim, National Clinical Director for Infections Management and Antimicrobial Resistance at NHS England, said: “Urinary tract infections are an increasingly common reason for becoming ill at home and in hospitals. They are more common in older patients, particularly those with catheters, but can occur at any age and are not often related to poor hygiene.
Antimicrobial resistance continues to grow, and we must do everything we can to manage urinary infections through prevention, education, and providing easy access to healthcare, including diagnostic tests and appropriate treatment.”
