Gurdip Thandi – BBC : Black Country Records Spike in Child Deaths: Concerns Grow

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Black Country child mortality
2. Rising child deaths Black Country

The Black Country has seen a concerning rise in child deaths, with Walsall, Wolverhampton, and Dudley all experiencing an increase in the number of young lives lost. Sandwell, with the highest figures, remained steady. The Black Country Child Death Overview Panel has reviewed 96 of the 128 deaths, attributing factors like smoking, alcohol, substance misuse, and unsafe sleeping arrangements to the tragic outcomes. Between April 2022 and March 2023, 128 children under 18 lost their lives in the area, prompting a call for action to prevent future tragedies. This data serves as a stark reminder of the importance of child safety and well-being.

Child Deaths Rise in Wolverhampton, Walsall, and Dudley

Recent data has revealed a concerning trend in the Black Country, with an increase in the number of children dying in Wolverhampton, Walsall, and Dudley. According to a report presented to Walsall Council’s Health and Wellbeing Board, there were 128 deaths of children under the age of 18 in the area between April 2022 and March 2023.

Walsall, Wolverhampton, and Dudley all saw a rise in child deaths compared to the previous year, while Sandwell, which already had the highest figures, remained unchanged. The Black Country Child Death Overview Panel (CDOP) has reviewed 96 of the 128 deaths, with the remaining cases still under review.

Statistics and Analysis

During the period under review, Sandwell recorded 40 child deaths, Dudley recorded 35, Walsall recorded 29, and Wolverhampton recorded 24. These numbers represent an increase in child deaths across the board, with Dudley seeing a significant rise from 27 deaths the previous year to 35 in the current reporting period.

Of the 128 child deaths reported, 57 were aged zero to 27 days, 22 were aged 28-364 days, 16 were in the one to four age range, 16 were aged five to nine years, and 17 were 10 years and older.

Identifying Common Factors

The Black Country Child Death Overview Panel aims to identify modifiable factors that have contributed to these tragic deaths and share their findings to prevent similar incidents in the future. Common factors identified in perinatal and neonatal deaths include smoking, alcohol and substance misuse, and maternal obesity.

Unsafe sleeping arrangements were also highlighted as a major factor in sudden or unexpected child deaths. By addressing these key issues, authorities hope to reduce the number of child deaths in the region and prevent further tragedies.

In conclusion, the rise in child deaths in Wolverhampton, Walsall, and Dudley is a concerning trend that requires immediate attention and action. By addressing the common factors contributing to these tragedies, authorities can work towards creating a safer environment for children in the Black Country.