Derwentside Health Statistics
I previously reported on County Durham’s Health Statistics, and this time the information is about Derwentside. I use the same format as before, the Good News and the Bad News.
It makes grim reading with Derwentside not only worse than the nation as a whole, but also worse than County Durham in terms of physical activity in children, health of under 15s and numbers of people diagnosed with diabetes. The only area we were significantly better in than the rest of County Durham (and still only average nationally) was in the number of over 65s suffering hip fractures. I don’t know what to make of that!
Good News
- Below average violent crime
- Below average new cases of Tuberculosis
- Below average road injuries and deaths
Bad News
- Above average deprivation
- Above average children in poverty
- Above average statutory homelessness
- Above average smoking in pregnancy
- Below average number of mothers who start breast-feeding
- Below average physically active children
- Above average numbers of teenage pregnancies
- Above average numbers of adults binge drinking
- Below average numbers of adults eating healthily
- Above average under 15s not in good health
- Above average claimants of incapacity benefits arising from mental illness
- Above average number of alcohol related hospital stays
- Above average people diagnosed with diabetes
- Below average male life expectancy
- Below average female life expectancy
- Above average deaths from smoking
- Above average early deaths from strokes, heart disease and cancer
This presents a real challenge to the unitary council when it comes into being next April. It is charged with the responsibility of working with partner agencies in the NHS, education services, leisure services and across the board to narrow the gap both within the nation and within the county. It will take vision and commitment if it is to make a difference.
For more details go to www.healthprofiles.info
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