Infant mortality rate rises in parts of the UK

Official figures show infants in the Midlands are more likely to die than elsewhere in the UK

The figures suggest a concerning rise in some regions of the UK (Getty Images)

Infant mortality rates are increasing in parts of the UK, new figures have revealed.

The Midlands and Yorkshire are particularly badly affected, with babies almost twice as likely to die before their first birthday as babies born in the south of England.


 Data showing rates in 2013 compared with 2014 reveal that infant mortality rates are increasing in parts of the UK
 (The Independent)

Figures released by the Office for National Statistics record the number of infants who died before they turned 12 months old in 2014. When compared with data from the previous year, the figures show rates are decreasing overall in the UK and are currently at the lowest rates on record. However, rates vary vastly by geographical location and are increasing in some areas.

Official figures show that infant mortality rates fluctuate depending on UK region, with areas such as the Midlands experiencing the worst rates (The Independent)

In the West Midlands, 5.2 infants die per 1,000 compared with 2.9 infants in the London area. Similarly high rates are recorded in the East Midlands and the Yorkshire and the Humber area, where 4 infants die per 1,000.

Respiratory and cardiovascular problems were the most common causes of death, amounting to 41 per cent of recorded deaths.

In a report on the figures, the Office for National Statistics said: “Since 1984, when the rate was 9.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, there has been a 62 per cent fall in the infant mortality rate in England and Wales.

“General improvements in healthcare and more specific improvements in midwifery and neonatal intensive care can partly explain the overall fall in mortality rates.”

Amy Jackson from the Lily Mae Foundation which supports families affected by a stillbirth or neonatal death, told The Independent: “The statistics for infant mortality being at its lowest ever in England and Wales is great news and seems to suggest that something is being done correctly in the UK. Sadly, when you look at the rise in stillbirth figures in specific areas of the country including the West Midlands it highlights that either the improvements are not being made nationally or that there are other factors playing a large role in these figures.

“There are demographic and socio-economic factors that may contribute to these higher rates in specific areas regionally. Whilst improvements are being made these figures highlight that there is still a lot of work to be done.”