Newport worst for winter deaths in Wales

Estimates for 2012/13 also show that there was a 51 per cent increase in excess winter deaths in Wales, from 1,260 in 2011/12 to 1,900 in 2012/13.

The Office of National Statistics said 31.4 per cent more deaths in Newport in the winter of 2011/12 compared to the non-winter period, amounting to 130 extra deaths.

It was weighted as the worst in Wales, with the second worst being Bridgend, with 24.5 per cent more deaths in winter than at other times in the year.

Torfaen saw 16.3 per cent extra deaths, coming eighth worst in Wales for 2010/11, while Caerphilly had 12.3 per cent extra winter deaths.

Blaenau Gwent had 11.9 per cent more deaths, and Monmouthshire had 9.6 per cent extra deaths in winter than other seasons.

The local authority figures for 2011/12 come with the caveat that there is no consistent pattern in excess winter deaths for any of the local authorities in England and Wales.

Age Cymru’s head of policy and public affairs, Graeme Francis, said the charity “remains very concerned that people are dying in such large numbers during the winter months because of the cold”.

“We know that last winter older people in Wales were more likely to have cut back on their heating and eating than those anywhere else in the UK,” he said

The Welsh Lib Dems highlighted that Newport was the 11th worst place in the UK in 2011/12. Peter Black, AM, said: “Last winter was bitterly cold, however, it is still a concern to see how many excess winter deaths happened. One major reason is that people are often living in homes that are simply too cold. These people need support from the Welsh Labour Government.”

NHS Wales has launched a Be Winter Wise campaign, which urges people to consider alternatives to A&E, such as a minor injuries unit, their GP, their nearest pharmacy, NHS Direct Wales – 0845 46 47 – or self-care at home with the aid of medicines if required.

For more on this see page 19