Lower life expectancy rates 'unfair and avoidable'

Seven councils will meet to discuss the lower life expectancy rates and decide on an action plan

A region's worst areas for life expectancies rates for men and women have been identified, according to a NHS report.

NHS North East and Cumbria Integrated Care Board's health and inequalities report found that between 2021-23, men in Gateshead were on average reaching 76.5 years compared to the national average of 79.3.

County Durham has the worst life-span for women at 80.8 years - around two years shorter than the national average, the report says.

Amanda Healy, director of public health at Durham County Council, said the rates for women in the county was a reminder of the "unfair and often avoidable differences".

She said: "We are aware that in County Durham women face the lowest life expectancy in the North East.

"This is a reminder of the unfair and often avoidable differences in health outcomes that affect our residents.

"Addressing these inequalities requires a whole-system approach with collaboration across health and social care, the voluntary and community sector and wider partners."

Life expectancy figures for the North East:

• County Durham - men 77.9 years and women 80.8 years

• Gateshead - men 76.5 years and women 82 years

• Newcastle - men 77.6 years and women 81.7 years

• North Tyneside - men 78.1 years and women 82.1 years

• Northumberland - men 78.8 years and women 82.3 years

• South Tyneside - men 76.9 years and women 81.6 years

• Sunderland - men 76.8 years and women 81.1 years

'Not just genetics'

Alice Wiseman, director of public health at Gateshead Council, said health was impacted not just by genetics but "circumstances in which we are born, grow, work and live".

She said other factors to be taken into account included income, environment, housing, transport, education and jobs.

"Two babies born on the same day at the same hospital in Gateshead can have more than 10 years difference in life expectancy," she said.

"Despite amazing work across health and care in recent decades inequalities in entirely preventable disease remain stubbornly persistent."

Findings are expected to be discussed next week at Gateshead Civic Centre, with representatives present from all seven regional authorities.