Life expectancy rates show health inequalities

Life expectancy rates at birth are much higher in the south of England than in the north and in Scotland, according to the latest national health statistics.

The latest Office for National Statistics bulletin shows that males born in two London health authorities (Barnet, and Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster) could expect to live the longest, reaching 77.5 years of age. Females born in Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster would live to 82.4 years, closely followed by those born in Solihull (82.0 years).

But in Manchester Health Authority, a male's life expectancy would be only 70.2 years, whereas a female born in the Greater Glasgow Health Board region would live to only 76.5 years.

The figures were published in the same week as the Department of Health launched a consultation document setting out the priorities for tackling health inequalities.



studentBMJ 2001;09:357-398 October ISSN 0966-6494