Band 7+: The chart below shows figures for attendances at hospital emergency care departments in Northern Ireland by age group in December 2016 and December 2017. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

The bar chart illustrates the number of individuals who attended the hospital emergency care department by age groups in December 2016 and 2017

Overall, the figure showed a general upward trend across almost all age groups. While the aged over 75 group accounted for the highest figure, the 5-15 age group made up the smallest share

In December 2016, the 75 and over group recorded at 65 per 1000 population. This was followed closely by the under-5 age group, with about 50 per 1000 population. In contrast, the age groups 16-44, 45-64, and 65-74 had lower rates, ranging from 28 to 30 per 1,000. The 5-15 age group had the lowest figure, which was about 20 per 1000 population.

Almost all attendances in the age groups had increased slightly by

December 2017. The 75 and over group saw a rise to nearly 75 per 1000, maintaining its position as the highest attending group. Similarly, the under-5 age group rose slightly to 54 per 1000. The younger and middle-aged groups showed modest increases over the period