Health and Social care

: Health and Social care

[Name of the Institute]Health and Social care

Introduction

The borough of Barking and Dagenham has high levels of deprivation in its population. Related with this high level of deprivation are relative high levels of morbidity or ill-health. There are two major measures of inequality related to health that are being utilized in England, infant mortality and life expectancy from birth. In this particular borough, infant mortality is higher than England's average and life expectancy is at its worst stage. The social determinants of health in this borough play a crucial role in the health and well being of residents of borough.

Overview of the Borough

Barking and Dagenham is a borough in outer London. It is situated in the east of London on the northern bank of Thames river. It is among the industrial parts of London. Majority of the buildings and industries were established in the borough in early 1920s. The Borough has high levels of poverty as compared to the other boroughs of London.

Demographic Data

The total population of the borough was 185,900 as of Census 2011 (GLA Intelligence Unit, 2012, p. 8). 50.2% of this population is female and 49.8% is male. The population percentage that lies between the age of 0 to 4 years is 10.1%, 21.4% for 5 to 9 year age group, 58.2% for 20-64 years age group, and 10.4% for over 65 years of age.

Morbidity & Mortality

The excess mortality in Barking and Dagenham borough as compared to other parts of England is equal to 35 extra deaths taking place annually that are avoidable in nature. The excess winter mortality index for the borough stands at 10.4 (Crabbe et. Al, n.d.). The mortality rate reaches its peak during the months of December and January due to extraordinary cold weather and the presence of prolonged ice and snow. The morbidity rate is also high in the region. Various illnesses and diseases occur such as cancer, lung diseases, pneumonia, heart diseases and so forth. Around 100 residents of the borough die from diseases that are related to smoking. Deaths from stroke and heart diseases also top the list of main reasons of mortality in the borough. Around 5.5% of the total budget of borough is spent on health care related to smoking.

Life Expectancy Data

The male life expectancy at birth on average is 76.5 in Barking and Dagenham Borough whereas female life expectancy is 81.0 on average (Baker et. Al, 2011, p. 31). As far as the disability free life-expectancy is concerned, male life expectancy is 58.7 on average and female life expectancy is 60.7.

Key Issues Addressed by the borough

Barking and Dagenham borough is facing the real challenge of bringing about improvements in the health and wellbeing of its residents at a time of significant financial constraint and demographic change. These issues are required to be addressed promptly and in an appropriate manner if the borough wants to ensure a growing and a healthier district which is able to thrive and ...