Region’s Arctic spell led to more deaths

RECORD snowfall and freezing temperatures led to a slight increase in deaths in Yorkshire and the Humber last winter, official figures showed.

The 0.9 per cent rise in the region bucked the national trend, which showed 25,700 deaths linked to cold weather – 110 fewer than the year before.

Sheffield saw heavy snowfall in the early part of December, while temperatures in North Yorkshire dipped to -18C.

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The biggest increase in winter mortality was seen in the North-East, with 1,100 more deaths last winter than the previous year. Wales, London and the East Midlands also recorded small increases.

Circulatory and respiratory problems were the main cause of the winter deaths, with women more vulnerable than men. In 2010-2011, 14,400 women died as a result of cold weather, compared to 11,200 men.

Public Health Minister Anne Milton said: “Despite the harsh conditions during December 2010, excess winter deaths in England and Wales remained virtually unchanged from the previous winter but there is no room for complacency.

“We want to ensure that the NHS and the public are as well prepared this year and that we reduce this figure further.”

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The NHS said it was spending £30m to insulate homes and helping local authorities to fix heating problems in elderly and disabled people’s homes.

Shadow Health Minister Diane Abbott said the Government had not done enough to prevent deaths in the event of cold weather this winter.

“There is real concern that, this winter, David Cameron’s mismanagement of the NHS is creating a perfect storm for families and the elderly,” she said.

“The reality for the elderly and those at risk from the cold weather this winter will be cuts in social care, spiralling energy prices and soaring NHS waiting times. The Government has also axed the flu awareness campaign.”