Report shows death rates are ‘static’

An independent report has revealed that over 50 per cent of deaths in the area are caused by cancer, heart disease and strokes.

But the numbers of heart disease and stroke deaths did reduce by 11 per cent between 2007 and 2009 and 2010 and 2012, while deaths from heart attack are down by a third.

Deaths from cancer however have risen slightly during the same period.

The report also identified that deaths from respiratory conditions and digestive conditions are above expected levels and are increasing.

This is in part because Mansfield and Ashfield has the highest smoking prevalence in the country.

Amanda Sullivan, chief officer for Mansfield and Ashfield Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “The review has highlighted a number of key areas that warrant further investigation or improvement and we can now take strong action based on sound, independent, quality interpretation of the facts.”

The report, which was commissioned by the CCGs in Mansfield and Ashfield and Newark and Sherwood, shows that the majority of deaths still occur within hospitals, but this proportion has reduced over the period under review - down from 56 per cent in 2007 to 53 per cent in 2012.

The national average was 49 per cent in 2012.