Excess deaths in 2022 among worst in 50 years

More than 650,000 deaths were registered in the UK in 2022 - 9% more than 2019. This represents one of the largest excess death levels outside the pandemic in 50 years.

Though far below peak pandemic levels, it has prompted questions about why more people are still dying than normal. Data indicates pandemic effects on health and NHS pressures are among the leading explanations.

Although the ongoing impact of the pandemic is a contributing factor, a number of doctors are blaming the wider crisis in the NHS. On 1 January 2023, the president of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine suggested the crisis in urgent care could be causing "300-500 deaths a week".

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Source: BBC News, 10 January 2023