Notes to editors
For further information, contact Andrew McCracken, Head of Press and Public Affairs, on 020 7307 2594 or 07774 907 960.
The ONS figures are available on the ONS website.
The figures show that:
- In the 2017 to 2018 winter period, there were an estimated 50,100 excess winter deaths in England and Wales.
- The number of excess winter deaths in 2017 to 2018 was the highest recorded since winter 1975 to 1976.
- During the winter months of 2017 to 2018, the number of daily deaths exceeded the daily five-year average for all days except 25 March.
- Excess winter mortality in 2017 to 2018 significantly increased from 2016 to 2017 in all English regions and Wales, with Wales having the highest regional index.
- Excess winter mortality continued to be highest in females and people aged 85 and over.
- Excess winter mortality doubled among males aged 0 to 64 years between 2016 to 2017 and 2017 to 2018.
- Over one-third (34.7 per cent) of all excess winter deaths were caused by respiratory diseases.
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