The period 2008-2009, witnessed a 74% increase in excess winter deaths in Wales from 1,440 in the previous year to 2500 people and the highest since 1999/2000. This increase in winter death directly corresponds with a decrease in winter temperatures in 2008-2009. Worryingly, the data shows that 80% of all winters deaths are for people aged 75 and above, with the highest rates of deaths relate to people aged 85 and over. The data shows that during death rates for people aged 85 and over increased to 152 per 1,000 deaths in Wales compared to 1.2 per 1000 deaths for people aged between 0-64. In total Winters deaths in 2008/2009, were provisionally 26% higher than the average non-winter deaths.
Welsh Assembly Government publishes ONS research data concerning excess winter deaths in Wales
The Welsh Assembly Government has published ONS research data concerning excess winter deaths in Wales. The statistics include data for England and Wales for the winter period 2008/2009, based upon statistics released by the on 24th November 2009.
The period 2008-2009, witnessed a 74% increase in excess winter deaths in Wales from 1,440 in the previous year to 2500 people and the highest since 1999/2000. This increase in winter death directly corresponds with a decrease in winter temperatures in 2008-2009. Worryingly, the data shows that 80% of all winters deaths are for people aged 75 and above, with the highest rates of deaths relate to people aged 85 and over. The data shows that during death rates for people aged 85 and over increased to 152 per 1,000 deaths in Wales compared to 1.2 per 1000 deaths for people aged between 0-64. In total Winters deaths in 2008/2009, were provisionally 26% higher than the average non-winter deaths.