Public Health England has recently published its list of English premature mortality figures by Council area. Wokingham comes out best in the list, with 200 premature deaths per 100,000 people. West Berkshire is 12th with just under 216. Manchester, at 15oth, has 455 deaths per 100,000.
This is welcome news, as the Councils take up their public health responsibilities. The government will continue to pursue policies to help bring down premature deaths, and will work in partnership with Councils wishing to make more progress in this important field. The main causes of premature death are cancer, stroke, lung disease and liver disease. Good diet, no cigarettes and a sensible approach to alcohol can help ward off these unwelcome causes of ill health.