It occurs at a time when RADAR data analysis reveals glaring disparities throughout England, with a higher rate of respiratory illnesses correlated with higher levels of impoverishment.
According to data from the Office for Health Improvements and Disparities, respiratory illnesses claimed the lives of 70 West Devon residents in 2022.
Better lung disease outcomes, according to Sarah MacFadyen, head of policy at Asthma + Lung UK, will assist Labour in closing the life expectancy gap between residents of the wealthiest and poorest regions.
“It’s critical that the new Government fulfils its promise to lessen inequality by advancing the Tobacco and Vapes Bill as soon as possible, which will phase out smoking over time and include funding for smoking cessation services,” the speaker stated.
“We also need to see new legal targets for air pollution levels and action to improve diagnosis and treatment for lung conditions.”
According to the data, York is the best-performing northern area, with death rates higher than those of 100 locations in the Midlands and South. The top five areas are also in the North West.
According to Ms. MacFayden, residents of impoverished neighbourhoods have greater rates of smoking, more air pollution, and inadequate housing.
“It is shocking but not surprising that the majority of the areas with the highest rates of respiratory-related deaths are in the most deprived areas,” she continued.
“This stark disparity underscores how poverty and substandard living conditions are costing people’s lives.”
While still lower than pre-pandemic levels, the number of emergency hospital admissions for respiratory diseases in the country increased to 790,000 in 2022–2023 from 660,000 in the previous year.
Emergency admissions increased by 26% to 17,880 in Devon.
