Avoidable death significantly more likely in Wales than in England

Rates of avoidable death are significantly higher in Wales than they are in England.

New figures published by ONS reveal that in Wales there were 7,428 avoidable deaths in 2014.

For every 100,000 male members of the Welsh population there were 300 deaths compared to 273 in England.

This was the same trend for Welsh females, who for every 100,000 of the population accounted for 183 deaths against 167 for England.

Cancers were the leading contributor of death in Wales, accounting for 36% of all mortality – 1% up on the same measure in England.

Deaths which could have been avoided given effective and timely healthcare was also much higher in Wales at 128 deaths for every 100,000 of the population – this compared to 117 in England.

Cardiovascular disease was the leading cause of avoidable death comprising of 59 deaths per 100,000 of the population versus 52 deaths against the same measure in England.

There was also a marked gulf between deaths in Wales and England which were deemed avoidable via public health interventions.

Responding to the report, Welsh Conservative Shadow Spokesperson for Health, Angela Burns AM, said:

“The report makes for some very frustrating reading, and serves to further highlight the public health crisis blighting our nation.

“Make no mistake, the rate at which people are dying here in Wales is worse than in England owing to a lethal combination of poor public health awareness and inadequately resourced healthcare service.

“It is vital to health of our nation and the future of our health service that the Welsh Labour Government begins investing more in our NHS and drives forward effective public health initiatives.”