Review launched into high baby death rates in Stoke-on-Trent

Figures show Stoke-on-Trent's infant mortality rate was 7.5 deaths per 1,000 births between 2019 to 2021

Babies born in Stoke-on-Trent are nearly twice as likely to die before their first birthday than across England as a whole, data shows.

Government figures show the city's infant mortality rate was 7.5 deaths per 1,000 births 2019-2021, compared with an England average of 3.9.

Research shows a strong link between deprivation and infant mortality, with the city scoring high for both.

The local authority has launched a review to better understand the issue.

A spokesperson said: "The death of a child is a tragedy and we extend our heartfelt sympathies to any families who are going, or have been, through this incredibly difficult time."

The figures, from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, show the rate in Stoke-on-Trent since 2018-2020, when it stood at 6.5 deaths per 1,000 births.

Since 2016, Stoke-on-Trent City Council has launched a series of initiatives in an attempt to tackle underlying causes.

The local authority said it had worked alongside partners in the NHS to implement key actions and address risk factors associated with infant mortality.

It said that included work to help reduce smoking in pregnancy, to increase breastfeeding rates and to raise awareness of higher-risk situations such as co-sleeping.

A review by the council's Adult Social Care, Health Integration and Wellbeing Overview and Scrutiny Committee will look at factors affecting the current mortality rate and current interventions that are in place.

The government's deprivation index published in 2019 showed Stoke-on-Trent to be the 13th most deprived area in England.

Simon Fogell, chief executive of Healthwatch Stoke-on-Trent, said he had asked the authority about programmes in place to reduce the rate.

"I just did pose the question, actually has anybody actually assessed how well any of these initiatives have worked or are we just going to be repeating the same old same old and not actually improving anything," he said.

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