'Devastating impact' of pandemic on northern England highlighted in report
The disproportionate effects of COVID on communities in northern England are highlighted in a new report.
The study, from the Northern Health Science Alliance, looked at the impact of the virus on lives and livelihoods across the north, in the first year of the pandemic.
Among its findings:
Death rates from COVID among people living in the north were 17% higher than in the rest of England
Death rates from COVID in care homes across the north were 26% higher
10% more hospital beds in the north were occupied by COVID patients than other parts of England
The unemployment rate across the north was 19% higher than elsewhere in England
The study also found that, on average, people in the north had 41 additional days living under the harshest Covid restrictions than those living elsewhere.
The Northern Health Science Alliance is a partnership of academics and health bodies from across the north. Along them, Professor Clare Bambra from Newcastle University, who says the pandemic has exacerbated existing inequalities.
The report's authors have made a number of recommendations to the Government, aimed at improving physical and mental health.
The Department of Health and Social Care has responded to today's report. It said:
“Any death is a tragedy and we know COVID-19 has had a disproportionate impact on certain groups which is why Public Health England carried out a rapid review to better understand the relationship between this virus and factors like ethnicity, obesity and deprivation.
The new Office for Health Improvement and Disparities will also lead national efforts to improve and level up the health of the nation by tackling obesity, improving mental health and promoting physical activity."