Understanding Daily Mortality Rates in the UK and Comparing Them to the Impact of Coronavirus

Introduction

In the midst of the global pandemic, it's crucial to understand the context of daily mortality rates, particularly in the United Kingdom. The comparison between ordinary death figures and those affected by coronavirus provides a clearer picture of the impact of the virus on society. In this article, we delve into the specifics of the UK's daily mortality rates and the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic. We also explore the trade-offs in healthcare availability and the broader implications on public health.

The Current State of Daily Mortality in the UK

The UK, like many other nations, has seen an increase in daily mortality rates due to the coronavirus pandemic. Since the beginning of the pandemic, on average, approximately 11 people have died each day in Devon alone, a county with around 1 million residents. These figures are consistently being updated and analyzed by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The average daily death rate in the UK, excluding Northern Ireland and Scotland, is higher by about 20% compared to the pre-pandemic period. This increase is partly due to the direct impact of the virus on vulnerable populations, particularly those in care homes, and partly due to the reduction in the number of deaths from other diseases due to the diversion of healthcare resources towards the pandemic.

The Impact of Coronavirus on Daily Deaths

The BBC and other sources have reported a significant spike in death rates in the UK since March 2020. The Worldometer provides real-time data, including cause of deaths, which can be broken down to understand the specific impact of coronavirus.

However, it's also important to note that the opposite is happening; people with non-COVID illnesses are suffering due to the strain on healthcare resources. This includes delayed appointments, reduced access to treatments, and increased mortality from conditions that might have been otherwise managed in regular circumstances.

Perspectives and Comparisons

Diabetes Assessment Delay: I, for example, experienced a 10-month delay in my diabetes assessment appointment. Eventually, I only got the appointment because my health issues were worsening critically. Similarly, my ITP (immune thrombocytopenia purpura) appointment was reduced to a brief phone call. My diabetic eye scan appointment is currently impossible to book due to a lack of available slots in the system.

Cardiovascular Referral: A referral for a cardiovascular condition has been on hold for weeks, with no date set for an appointment. The potential for complications necessitates urgent action, yet the healthcare system is stretched. Despite taking every precaution, such as keeping my legs elevated, the symptoms are spreading up my legs, increasing the risk of complications.

Global Perspective: Even in the United States, where the death rate from AIDS is approximately one million per year, the impact of coronavirus is significant but not as overwhelming. The UK's death rate, which includes the impact of interventions like lockdowns, has not been as catastrophic in terms of daily deaths compared to the U.S. for AIDS alone.

It's important to strike a balance between addressing the direct impact of coronavirus and the indirect consequences on overall public health. While the daily death rate in the UK is higher than pre-pandemic levels, the broader context of other leading causes of death, such as AIDS in the U.S., underscores the complex nature of healthcare crises.

Despite the challenges, the overall death rate is down in areas where the coronavirus is spiking, thanks to public health measures and restrictions that have helped control flu-like diseases. However, the trade-offs in healthcare availability and access to treatment are significant, leading to a dual challenge in maintaining public health.