ONS: Health

Health and care on Regional Snapshot provides access to a range of information about health of the population and the provision of care in different areas of the United Kingdom - regions and health areas. Care should be taken when making comparisons over time because of several changes in geographic boundaries and other definitions. Also comparisons across the different countries of the UK may be inaapropriate. This topic covers stillbirths and infant mortality, smoking and drinking patterns and provision of NHS hospital services.

Life expectancy for males and females at birth and aged 65 are presented in this report published November 2007 for health and local authorities in the United Kingdom. Figures for 2004-2006 have been added to previously published results relating to 1991-1993 to 2002-2004.  Data to accompany the report can be found in a series of Excel workbooks on the National Statistics website:           

A news release looking at inequalities in life expectancy at 65 shows that three authorities in the South East feature in the top ten for longevity

Health Statistics Quarterly (HSQ) is published in February, May, August and November each year.  The journal contains commentary on the latest health findings, topical articles (e.g. alcohol-related mortality; prevalence of treated asthma; occupation and cancer) and  highlights trends in health including childhood mortality, cancer survival, abortions, congenital anomalies and morbidity.

Cancer Atlas of the UK describes the geographical patterns in cancer incidence and mortality across the UK and Ireland and relates patterns to risk factors and to levels of socio-economic deprivation.


Health profiles for local authorities have been revised and a new version released for 2008.  The profiles provide a break down of data for each local authority

Section 1 of the Health Profile for England gives an overview of the differences between the regions

Focus on Health (published February 2006) describes the health of people living in the UK across five key dimensions: health status, risk factors, ill-health, preventive, curative and long-term care services and mortality. Emphasis is placed on trends over time.

Healthy Weight, Healthy Lives: A Cross-Government strategy for England supports the creation of a healthy society - from early years to school, food, from sport and physical activity to planning, transport and the health service.  The strategy was published in January 2008 and has £372 million to help everyone lead healthier lives.

The South East Public Health Observatory (SEPHO) provides access to a wide range of information and reports.  Key topics such as obesity are covered and a report Choosing health in the South East: road transport and health was published in August 2008 looks at the influence of transport options.

Latest Health Survey for England

Latest release dates for publications released by Department of Health and statistics released through the Information Centre (IC)