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Hospitals are sending patients home into the sole care of young children, ­according to a Barnardo’s investigation.

It says kids as young as four are ­looking after their sick parents.

Chief executive Javed Khan said: “Many health professionals simply treat the person in front of them rather than ask questions about who’s caring for them when they go home. Caring can take a huge toll on ­children’s wellbeing and future chances.”

There are nearly 700,000 young carers in the UK, ­according to stats from the BBC and Nottingham University.

(Image: Barnardos)

Barnardo’s believes numbers have increased as more families struggle for support because of cuts. Their average age is 12 and some work more than 30 hours a week, cooking, cleaning and shopping.

Barnardo’s survey of young carers:

■Two-thirds said they began caring while still in primary school and one in eight started aged five.

■ 22 per cent were identified and referred by a parent, 15 per cent by a teacher, 15 per cent by a social worker and only five per cent by a GP.

■ 45 per cent support their siblings. Over 80 per care for their mum.

(Image: Getty)

■ 90 per cent were caring for someone with a physical disability, a mental health issue or a long-term health issue.

■ Over 50 per cent said their emotional health and wellbeing had been affected.

■ 56 per cent said it made them anxious and worried.

■ 67 per cent said caring made them tired in class.

■ Over 25 per cent said they performed over 30 hours of tasks a week.

■ 50 per cent said caring prevented a university place or dropping out of a course.