SOMERSET neighbourhoods which saw the biggest rise in their death tolls during the coronavirus pandemic have been revealed – as well as those which seemingly escaped without major impact.

Data published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) comparing the number of deaths registered during the pandemic to a baseline from previous years shows some areas of the country were significantly more affected than others.

The Health Foundation said the virus has laid bare inequalities across England and Wales, with poor health, deprivation and stretched public services to blame for increased exposure.

In the 14 months to the end of April, there were 2,341 deaths registered in Somerset West and Taunton – 167 (7.7%) more than the 2,174 predicted, according to the ONS figures.

Of the deaths, 213 had Covid-19 listed as the main cause – however, many Covid-related deaths at the start of the pandemic may have been undiagnosed, the ONS cautioned.

In Sedgemoor for the same period, there were 1,783 deaths registered – 290 (19.4%) more than the 1,493 predicted, according to the ONS figures. Of the deaths, 177 had Covid-19 listed as the main cause.

And in South Somerset, there were 2,251 deaths registered – 87 (4%) more than the 2,164 predicted, according to the ONS figures. Of the deaths, 162 had Covid-19 listed as the main cause. 

Now, a further breakdown for Somerset West and Taunton, released for the first time, also reveals which of the area's 19 neighbourhoods had the highest and lowest excess death rates during the pandemic.

The measurement compares the number of deaths registered during the period with how many were predicted based on previous mortality rates between 2014 and 2019.

It has been described as the key metric for the impact of the pandemic by Professor Chris Whitty, the Government's chief medical officer.

In Somerset West and Taunton, the neighbourhoods with the highest excess death rates were:

1) Williton, Quantock and Stogursey – 144 deaths, 44 (44%) more deaths than expected, and including seven with Covid-19 listed as the main cause

2) Wellington South, Rockwell Green and West Buckland – 262 deaths, 56 (27.2%) more deaths than expected, including 39 due to Covid-19

3) Taunton Holway and Lambrook – 145 deaths, 24 (19.8%) more deaths than expected , including 23 due to Covid-19

The neighbourhoods with the lowest excess death rates were:

1) Watchet, Washford and Carhampton – 99 deaths, 13 (11.6%) fewer than expected, and including seven with Covid-19 listed as the main cause

2) Taunton Rowbarton and Kingston – 104 deaths, 13 (11.1%) fewer than expected, including five due to Covid-19

3) Wellington North – 104 deaths, 10 (8.8%) fewer than expected, including eight due to Covid-19

In South Somerset, the neighbourhoods with the highest excess death rates were:

1) Langport and Long Sutton – 98 deaths, 24 (32.4%) more deaths than expected, and including four with Covid-19 listed as the main cause

2) Bruton, Brewham and Cucklington – 54 deaths, 13 (31.7%) more deaths than expected, including seven due to Covid-19

3) South Petherton, Seavington and Kingsbury – 108 deaths, 22 (25.6%) more deaths than expected , including three due to Covid-19

The neighbourhoods with the lowest excess death rates were:

1) Yeovil Lufton and Hollands – 72 deaths, 20 (21.7%) fewer than expected, and including six with Covid-19 listed as the main cause

2) Yeovil South – 64 deaths, 13 (16.9%) fewer than expected, including three due to Covid-19

3) Curry Rivel and Fivehead – 84 deaths, 16 (16%) fewer than expected, including nine due to Covid-19

In Sedgemoor, the neighbourhoods with the highest excess death rates were:

1) Stockmoor and North Petherton – 144 deaths, 53 (58.2%) more deaths than expected, and including nine with Covid-19 listed as the main cause

2) Bridgwater East – 96 deaths, 21 (28%) more deaths than expected, including 16 due to Covid-19

3) Wembdon and Chilton Trinity – 142 deaths, 30 (26.8%) more deaths than expected , including 10 due to Covid-19

The neighbourhoods with the lowest excess death rates were:

1) Cannington, Combwich and Nether Stowey – 79 deaths, six (7.1%) fewer than expected, and including five with Covid-19 listed as the main cause

2) Bridgwater North – 81 deaths, one (1.3%) more than expected, including seven due to Covid-19

3) Highbridge – 123 deaths, 10 (8.8%) more than expected, including 13 due to Covid-19

In its Covid-19 Impact Inquiry report, the Health Foundation said people aged under 65 living in the most deprived areas were almost four times more likely to die from the virus, compared to those in the most affluent.

It found those in poor health, cramped housing conditions and some working environments faced an increased risk of exposure.

Assistant director David Finch said: "There is extensive evidence that poor health and existing inequalities left parts of the country vulnerable to the virus and defined the contours of its devastating impact.

"Deep-rooted issues such as poor health, increased financial insecurity and strained public services left some people more exposed."

The group now wants the Government to address the harm caused by the pandemic and invest more in helping lift people out of poverty.

Across England and Wales, the ONS reported that two periods over the 14 months – March 2020 to July 2020 and September 2020 to March this year – saw the highest rates for excess deaths.

In Somerset West and Taunton, the highest number of excess deaths came in April last year when there were 75. It was the same month in Sedgemoor, with 107 deaths, and in South Somerset, with 48.

The Department of Health and Social Care said increasing vaccine uptake was a “key step” to addressing the disparity of outcomes for those who catch Covid.

A spokesperson said: “The vaccines are saving lives and building a wall of protection against the disease.”

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