Beast from the East linked to surge in deaths

Winter illnesses to blame for rise

THE true toll of the ‘Beast from the East’ has emerged in figures showing a huge spike in winter deaths.

In the first three months of this year, the number of deaths in Scotland was 13 per cent higher than the same time last year.

Winter illnesses, including the flu outbreak, were to blame for much of the rise, as well as an increase in deaths from dementia, heart disease and strokes.

Critics said the rise was ‘worrying’ and demanded the Scottish Government prepare the NHS for future winter flu outbreaks.

National Records of Scotland figures show a total of 17,771 deaths were registered between January and March this year, 2,060 more than the same period last year.

They include 2,855 deaths from respiratory diseases, which rose by 36 per cent from last year, including 331 from flu, a ‘large increase’ from 72 deaths in the same period last year, NRS said.

Scotland’s NHS was inundated with flu cases earlier this year, forcing hospitals to postpone surgery and close wards. The so-called ‘Beast from the East’ storm also brought wintry weather, which is known to worsen health problems.

There was a large increase in deaths from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, with these accounting for more than 10 per cent of all fatalities, compared to 5 per cent a decade ago.

The figures show a 15 per cent rise in deaths from dementia to 1,416, as well as a 22 per cent rise in deaths from Alzheimer’s disease, to 795.

The number of cancer deaths rose by 1.3 per cent.

Scottish Conservative health spokesman Miles Briggs said: ‘Everyone accepts as Scotland’s population increases, the number of deaths will also rise.

‘However, it’s very worrying that we’ve seen such a stark hike in the most recent winter.

‘The SNP Government was repeatedly warned, by experts and opposition parties, about the threat of various flu outbreaks due to occur last winter.

‘Ministers need to assure us they have done all they can to deal with the challenges of flu, and work hard to ensure this increase isn’t replicated next year.’

Brian Sloan, chief executive of Age Scotland, said: ‘We’re saddened to hear deaths from dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and flu increased significantly in the first quarter of 2018, compared to those in the same period last year.

‘Older people are more at risk of these three factors and the number of people with dementia is expected to rise.

‘This will have an enormous impact on the NHS, social services and carers if we do not plan ahead to create a more friendly and supportive environment that protects us all as we age.’

Jim Pearson, director of policy at Alzheimer Scotland, said: ‘Dementia is the biggest health and social care challenge faced by society today.’

Health Secretary Shona Robison said: ‘Mortality rates can fluctuate from year to year, sometimes significantly. Last winter saw the highest rates of flu-like illness since 2010-11.

‘Vaccination remains the best defence. We’re putting record investment into our health service.’

This winter, over-75s will be offered a more effective flu vaccine.

‘Ensure this isn’t replicated’