Our challenge
Health and care services in the North East and North Cumbria are consistently among the best in the country, with a strong history of innovation and care transformation.
Despite this, public health remains poor, with some of the lowest healthy life expectancies in England. While deaths from cancer and heart disease have fallen, fewer people are smoking and many are living longer, health inequalities persist.
High unemployment, poor housing, and significant areas of deprivation are major issues, leading to early death rates, the highest sickness levels in England, and adds to the pressure on health and social care services.
The facts
- Highest rate of drug related deaths in England (North East)
- Men spend a quarter of their lives in ill-health
- 2nd highest rates of heart disease in the country
- Some of the highest rates of suicide in the country
- 28% of children live in low-income families - England average 19%
- Rates of child poverty are double the England average in some areas
- 2nd highest rate of liver disease in the country
