Surge in Ketamine Cases Strains UK Urology Wards
Official data shows ketamine use in the past month has risen 251.85% since 2015 in the UK, though usage remains high with a slight decline from the previous year. Ketamine, a class B dissociative drug used medically for pain relief and sedation, has become increasingly common recreationally since 2015.
Urology departments are reporting a significant surge in admissions linked to chronic ketamine use, which causes irreversible damage to the bladder and urinary tract. Most patients affected are young adults or teenagers. The town of Barnsley has been identified as an epicentre of this trend, with 11 ketamine-related A&E attendances in 2021 rising sharply to 50 attendances between January and May 2025.
Clinicians warn that the rise in admissions is straining hospitals. They note that ketamine-related admissions are driven by addiction and not purely by urological issues. Some patients who require surgery delay it due to ongoing ketamine use. Long-term ketamine effects include progressive and potentially irreversible damage to the bladder, liver, and urinary tract. Despite being on surgery waiting lists, some patients continue to use the drug.
Experts are calling for preventative measures and education initiatives, including targeted secondary school programs, to address the high relapse rates. They also emphasize the importance of ongoing post-rehabilitation support to manage this growing public health concern.
