Figures show 70 excess winter deaths in area
THERE were an estimated 70 excess winter deaths in parliamentary constituencies covering Runcorn and Widnes according to the most recent figures.
New figures from the Office For National Statistics (ONS) have revealed that there were an estimated 30 excess winter deaths in Halton in the winter of 2015-16, with another 40 in Weaver Vale.
The rates for the respective seats were 10% and 15% higher than the rest of the year.
Elsewhere, the figures show the estimated 90 excess winter deaths in Birkenhead, Wirral in the winter of 2015-16 was one of the highest rates in the country.
It means that deaths in winter in the area were 29% higher than they were the rest of the year – one of the biggest increases in England, and nearly twice as high as the national average.
Across the country, an estimated 22,780 more people died over winter than would have oth● erwise, or 15% more than over the rest of the year.
In 2014-15, there were around 41,300 excess winter deaths in England – 27% more than the rest of the year.
Meanwhile, the figure for Birkenhead increased over the same period, having risen from 60 excess winter deaths, or 19% higher than for the rest of 201415.
Most other parts of Merseyside saw the number of excess winter deaths drop over the course of the year, although some other constituencies in the region saw similarly high rates.
In Liverpool, West Derby, an estimated 80 extra people died over winter in 2015-16 – 28% more than during the rest of the year.
Meanwhile, St Helens South and Whiston experienced 26% more deaths over winter than during the rest of the year, or an estimated 90 people.
In comparison, Garston and Halewood experienced just 20 excess winter deaths each, or 6% more than might otherwise be expected.
The ONS links excess winter deaths to factors, including cold weather, levels of influenza and increased pressure on hospitals during the winter months.
The winter period is defined as December to March, and the number of deaths that occurred in this period is compared with the average number of deaths occurring in the preceding August to November and the following April to July.