Fall in baby deaths welcomed but city has more work to do

THE number of babies dying before the age of one has reduced in Leeds but the city still has a higher infant mortality rate than the national average.

Health bosses last night welcomed the latest figures but said there remains "significant disparities" in rates between different areas of the city, with rates in deprived areas far higher.

The latest figures from 2006-08 shows that the rate of deaths per 1000 live births has reduced to 5.2 compared with a rate of 5.9 in 2005-07. This means that Leeds has a lower rate than the Yorkshire and Humber regional average of 5.6. Nationally, the figure is 4.9.

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In 2008, 46 babies aged under one died in Leeds. Figures for the period 2006-08 show that overall 148 babies died during this time.

Dr Sharon Yellin, consultant in public health medicine at NHS Leeds, said: "This is an encouraging sign that the numbers of preventable deaths in young babies in the city is starting to decrease.

"There is a lot of work going on around Leeds to educate people in ways to prevent this tragic loss of life.

"But we know we still have some way to go to reduce the overall variation in infant mortality rates between different areas of the city."

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To reduce preventable deaths in young babies, NHS Leeds is working with Leeds City Council, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and NHS Leeds Community Healthcare.

A key aim is to reduce the infant mortality gap between families in manual and other low paid jobs and the general population. Nationally there is a 16 per cent variation in infant mortality between this group and the population as a whole.

A lot of work is already being done to reduce infant mortality and improve children's quality of life in Leeds. This includes initiatives to reduce smoking rates such as Fresh Air Babies, a programme of antenatal and postnatal support for smokers, the opening of baby cafes across the city and a new strategy to provide peer support for breast- feeding mothers; and the implementation of a policy dedicated to raising young people's aspirations and reducing teenage pregnancy rates.

Dr Yellin added: "In Leeds we have a very successful neonatal care service, which contributes to the survival of a number of very premature babies each year.

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"This, coupled with the initiatives we have already successfully introduced in Leeds, have given us solid foundations to build upon to ensure we protect the future of our children and improve health, well-being and life chances for all families in the city."

There are a number of ways people can help to reduce infant mortality. They include:

Ensuring women access antenatal care early. In Leeds women can call one central number to contact a midwife directly. The telephone number to call is 07748 334007. Lines are open 9am-4pm, Monday to Friday.

Avoiding sleeping in bed or on the sofa with a baby, particularly if the adult is a smoker, they are very tired or have consumed alcohol or drugs.

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Stopping smoking before trying for a baby or during pregnancy. There are a number of free NHS stop smoking services in Leeds.

Achieving a healthy weight before getting pregnant. Free NHS weight management services are available for adults in various parts of the city. There are also a number of initiatives aimed at educating people in cooking healthy, nutritious meals on a budget.

To find out about stop smoking and adult weight management services ask a pharmacist or GP, ring NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or visit www.nhs.uk

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