People from socially deprived communities are 3 times more likely to die from stroke

STATISTICS included in a new publication reveal that people living in deprived areas are around three times more likely to die from a stroke than those in the least deprived. The findings released by The Stroke Association and British Heart Foundation, show that death rates from stroke vary among areas of different social and economic conditions.

The statistics have been published as part of British Heart Foundation’s Heart Statistics series. The Stroke Association and British Heart Foundation have been working together to produce this report which is the first comprehensive collection of national statistics regarding the burden of stroke to the UK.

The stroke mortality rate for men and women of working age (under 65) has fallen consistently since the late 1970s. However the rate has fallen quicker in adults of higher social classes, resulting in an increase in inequalities in stroke death rates.

The social gradient in stroke deaths is clearly demonstrated when mortality rates from areas of differing deprivation are compared. The data shows that stroke mortality increases with deprivation for both men and women. For premature mortality, the rate in the most deprived twentieth of England and Wales is over three and a half times higher for men, and over two and a half times higher for women.

The statistics also show that people from lower social economic backgrounds are more likely to face major risk factors of stroke. For example, cigarette smoking is more prevalent among manual social groups and people from households with lower incomes are more likely to be obese. However, it is not just people from lower income households who are at risk of stroke. This document shows that people in managerial and professional jobs are more likely to binge drink and drink alcohol on five or more days a week. People who regularly consume a large amount of alcohol have a three-fold risk of stroke.

Joe Korner, Director of Communications at The Stroke Association said:- "We have known for some time that social deprivation increases people’s risk of stroke. These shocking statistics show that you are about three times more likely to die of a stroke if you are poor. Decreasing inequalities in our society will also lessen inequalities in health outcomes. In the meantime there is so much that everyone can do, whatever their social class, to reduce their risk of stroke. Over 40% of strokes can be prevented through the control of high blood pressure. Small lifestyle changes, such as not smoking, drinking in moderation, improving your diet and being active can help reduce your risk of stroke."

Professor Peter Weissberg, Medical Director at the British Heart Foundation said:- "The picture these data on stroke present strongly mirror figures for heart disease, which is also much more common in deprived communities. Many of the risk factors for heart disease and stroke, such as smoking and high blood pressure, are the same and potentially modifiable. The statistics argue for a concerted effort to identify and modify risk factors, by lifestyle and drug interventions, in those communities with the highest risks. We don’t underestimate the challenge this poses, but success will save the lives of thousands of people and prevent disability in many more."

Merseyside Chief Constable to take up post with HMIC

MERSEYSIDE Police Chief Constable, Mr Bernard Hogan Howe, will be leaving Merseyside Police after accepting a post with Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary for England, Wales and Northern Ireland (HMIC).

Bernard Hogan Howe has been with the police service for 29 years. In 1997, he joined Merseyside Police as Assistant Chief Constable of Community Affairs, moving onto area operations in 1999. Mr. Hogan-Howe then joined the Metropolitan Police as Assistant Commissioner of Human Resources, in July 2001 before returning to Merseyside Police as Chief Constable on 25 September 2004.

Mr Hogan-Howe was born in Sheffield. He has an MA in Law from Oxford University, a diploma in applied criminology and an MBA from Sheffield University.

Merseyside Police Authority Chair, Councillor Bill Weightman said:- "I would like to thank the Chief on behalf of myself and all the Members of the Police Authority for the incredible hard work and commitment he has given to the Police Service, the Police Authority and the people of Merseyside. As Chief Constable, Mr Hogan-Howe had the vision to make Merseyside the best Police Service in the country, calling for a "total war on crime’. In partnership with Merseyside Police Authority he has made significant progress in achieving this vision confirmed by Merseyside residents voting our force top in the country in terms of public confidence. Together we have succeeded in making Merseyside one of the safest Metropolitan areas to live and work in the UK. We wish the best of luck in his new post."

Deputy Chief Constable, Mr Bernard Lawson, said:- "Over the past 5 years Bernard Hogan Howe has made a tremendous contribution and delivered real change to Merseyside Police. His introduction of our Total Policing approach has resulted in Merseyside having the biggest drop in crime across the country in the last three years, with 57,000 less victims of crime. We wish him every success in his new role. Merseyside Police will be continuing our Total War on Crime to ensure that the streets of Merseyside are a safe place for people to live, work and visit."

STANLEY STREET FIRE UPDATE

A 25 year old man was charged with arson with the intent to endanger life following the fire in Stanley Street, Liverpool city centre on Saturday 8 August 2009. Alan Michael Cashman of Alfonso Road, was then remanded in custody and appeared at Liverpool Magistrates Court on Monday, 10 August 2009. Merseyside Police Detectives are now very keen to speak to a young man sat at a bus stop on Victoria Street at around 6.10am and the owner of a dark coloured saloon which was parked on Stanley Street at around 6.15 am. It is believed that they may have been approached and spoken to by the suspect and they may have information that will assist detectives in their investigation. Merseyside Police urges anyone else who may have been in the vicinity at that time, or who may have seen someone acting suspiciously to either contact St Annes St CID on:- 0151 777 4065 or Crimestoppers anonymously on:- 0800 555 111.