COVID LOSSES IN THE BOROUGH

May 2020

Coronavirus deaths in an area of Barnsley were among the highest in the region, according to data released by the Office for National Statistics.

Wombwell South was listed as having nine confirmed deaths from the virus – almost 40 per cent of the total deaths registered in the area – after figures were narrowed down to postcode area by ONS experts.

This placed the area in the top ten for Yorkshire – but when combined with the four deaths in the town’s northern region, Wombwell as a whole sat level with the fourth-highest location, Kimberworth Park in Rotherham.

Other areas of Barnsley that were ranked as some of the worst-hit in Yorkshire were Mapplewell and Staincross, with eight deaths, and Honeywell, with five. There had also been five recorded deaths in Thurnscoe which, at 50 per cent is the highest proportion of total deaths in a postcode area that were due to coronavirus, in Barnsley.

The data only included deaths which occurred between March 1 and April 17 for which coronavirus was the underlying cause or was listed as a contributory factor on the death certificate.

It was released as part of a study into mortality rates in more economically-deprived areas of the country. Nick Stripe, ONS head of health analysis, said: “General mortality rates are normally higher in more deprived areas, but so far Covid-19 appears to be taking them higher still.”

Worsbrough – identified in a recent study as one of the most economically at-risk areas from the outbreak –has seen two deaths directly caused by coronavirus.

The data showed 74 deaths occurred in the borough from March 1 to April 17 – a rate of 31.8 per 100,000 people. Including coronavirus deaths registered up to April 25, five occurred in the person’s home, 55 in hospital and two in hospice care.

Julia Burrows, director of Public Health, said detailed investigation of why some communities had higher infection and death rates was ongoing.

“We are aware that current statistics show that areas in Barnsley have comparatively high rates of deaths linked to Covid-19 and my deepest sympathy goes to the families and friends of all those who have died,” she said.

Ms Burrows added Barnsley’s a higher-than-average proportion of older people, and those with cancer, cardio vascular and respiratory diseases, could be found to be a contributing factor.

“Areas of Barnsley also have very high levels of deprivation, and this is a strong predictor of poor health, wellbeing and reduced life expectancy,” she continued.

“We are working with organisations across the health and care system in Barnsley to understand how Covid-19 affects local people and how best to support them in order to reduce risk and prevent unwarranted harm. “