Busines Name

Road traffic accidents (RTAs) are a significant cause of hospital admissions
among children. However, the figures below, for 2005, show that the number of
deaths in Gateshead among children due to RTAs is very small. Where the
number is less than 5, the figure has been suppressed to avoid disclosure.
Although the number is small, these deaths still represent a significant proportion
of all deaths, as mortality rates among children are very low. This is demonstrated
for England as a whole, where deaths due to land transport accidents are
represented as a proportion of all deaths within each age band. RTAs are
grouped with other land transport accidents such as those related to railways.

Indirectly standardised mortality ratio due to all causes (ICD10 A00-Y99) among
children under 15 years of age, three year pooled.

The low birthweight rate (<1500g) is calculated as the number of births under
1500g expressed as a percentage of all live and still births where a birthweight is
recorded. In 2005 the rate has increased in Gateshead to the highest level since
1997 and Gateshead now has the highest rate in the Northumberland, Tyne &
Wear area. However, the rate is not significantly different to the rate for the North
East or England. However, there is a rising trend over time in Gateshead.

The low birthweight rate is calculated as the number of births under 2500g per
expressed as a percentage of all live and still births where a birthweight is
recorded. In 2005 the rate has increased in Gateshead to the highest level since
1997 and Gateshead now has the highest rate in the Northumberland, Tyne &
Wear area. However, the rate is not significantly different to the rate for the North
East or England. Also the trend over time in Gateshead is static, as it is for both
the North East and England.

Be Healthy Action Plan – Ensure that children are given the best chance for health from the start

The stillbirth rate is calculated as the number of stillbirths per 1,000 live and still
births. There are around 10 stillbirths each year in Gateshead. As the number is
small, a three year pooled rate is used which smooths out year on year
fluctuations in the rate. The Gateshead rate is not significantly different to the rate
for the North East or England and is following a downward trend.

The perinatal mortality rate is calculated as the number of still births plus the
number of deaths among babies under 7 days of age per 1,000 live and still births.
There are between 10 and 20 perinatal deaths each year in Gateshead. As the
number is small, a three year pooled rate is used which smooths out year on year
fluctuations in the mortality rate. The Gateshead rate is not significantly different
to the rate for the North East or England and is following a downward trend.

Be Healthy Action Plan – Ensure that children are given the best chance for health from the start

The infant mortality rate is calculated as the number of deaths under 1 year of age per 1,000 live births. There are around 10 infant deaths each year in Gateshead, 6 in South Tyneside and 15 in Sunderland. As the numbers are small, a three year pooled rate is used which smooths out year on year fluctuations. In the most recent period (2003-2005) the rates for Gateshead and Sunderland are similar to the rate for England, while the rate for South Tyneside is lower than the England rate. None are significantly different from the England rate.

This chapter of the Compendium of Health Statistics monitors child health in Gateshead. It should be read alongside the “Be Healthy” and “Stay Safe” sections of the Gateshead Children and Young People’s Plan . This sets out the vision of a partnership of local public and voluntary agencies to ensure that children are physically, mentally and emotionally healthy and follow healthy lifestyles. Where indicators in this chapter are linked to actions in the report, these are highlighted in blue text at the foot of each section.