A comprehensive new report from The Health Foundation, in collaboration with the Office for National Statistics (ONS), has exposed profound geographical inequalities in premature mortality rates across Upper Tier Local Authorities (UTLAs) in England and Wales
The findings reveal a huge disparity in mortality rates when accounting for differences in age and sex. Premature mortality rates ranged from 285 per 100,000 person-years at risk in Richmond upon Thames to 696 per 100,000 person-years in Blackpool, representing a relative range of 144%. This variation indicates that where you live can significantly influence the likelihood of early death.
The study examined the factors driving these disparities. After adjusting for ethnicity and whether an individual was born outside the UK, the relative range between the highest and lowest UTLAs decreased to 129%. However, the most substantial reduction in this gap emerged when socioeconomic status was additionally considered.
With all three factors combined, the relative range in all-cause premature mortality fell dramatically to 56%, strongly suggesting that socioeconomic conditions serve as a primary driver of geographical inequalities in early mortality.
Where You Live Matters
The report also looked at premature mortality rates for specific health conditions. These figures were also adjusted for age and sex. We saw clear local differences:
- Cancer mortality ranged from 208 per 100,000 people in Blackpool to 104 per 100,000 in Harrow.
- Diabetes-related deaths varied from 115 per 100,000 in Newham to just 25 per 100,000 in Cheshire East.
- Respiratory conditions showed rates from 113 per 100,000 in Blackpool down to 27 per 100,000 in Richmond upon Thames.
- Cardiovascular disease ranged from 146 per 100,000 in Blackpool to 50 per 100,000 in Richmond upon Thames.
When adjustments for ethnicity, birth country, and socioeconomic status were applied to cause-specific premature mortality, the relative ranges reduced significantly: from 369% to 166% for diabetes, 315% to 106% for respiratory conditions, 190% to 129% for cardiovascular disease, and 101% to 50% for cancer.
Despite these adjustments, geographical inequalities persist. The Health Foundation and ONS emphasise that remaining differences are likely linked to factors not included in this analysis, including access to and provision of healthcare, environmental conditions, and health-related behaviours.
The findings underscore the importance of addressing systemic inequalities to improve population health outcomes. Should you have concerns about the standards of care received, particularly where a health outcome may have been adversely affected, call Austen Jones Solicitors’ medical negligence team today.