Elderly Scots urged to get flu jabs after winter death surge

Although mortality rates always rise in winter, so-called “additional deaths” were 2,070 up on the previous winter, and at their highest level since 1999/00.

Four-fifths of the additional deaths were among the over-75s.

Flu, which was at its highest level for seven years, was seen as a "significant factor" in many deaths.

National Records of Scotland said there were 23,137 deaths registered across Scotland between last December and March, compared to 20,946 in 2016/17.

It was the largest number of winter deaths since 23,379 at the turn of the millennium.

Last winter saw an exceptionally cold spell of weather arrive in late February and last until mid-March, disrupting transport links, food supplies and NHS services.

However there was no single cause of the extra deaths.

Around 35% were related to respiratory conditions, almost half of which were due to influenza and pneumonia; 23% were due to degenerative nervous system conditions, such as dementia, and 23% were down to circulatory problems, such as heart disease and stroke.

Very few were caused by hypothermia and only a small proportion directly by influenza.

On the back of the figures, Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Catherine Calderwood urged all eligible adults to take up a free flu vaccination this winter.

She said: “Every year in Scotland, around two thirds of people who get severe flu and need intensive care treatment have a health condition such as chronic lung or heart disease.

"Last winter, Scotland had its highest flu rates for seven years, a pattern seen across Europe and the United States, and it is likely that flu was a significant factor in many deaths, particularly among older people and those with long-term conditions.

“Flu vaccines are available free to all eligible adults, including everybody aged 65 and older, and protects against a number of different flu strains. Vaccination remains our best defence against flu, and I urge people to take up the offer of a free vaccine.”

The SNP Government provides free flu shots to all primary school children, all over-65s, pregnant women and NHS workers.

Some health conditions put people at a greater risk from flu, including asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, diabetes, multiple sclerosis and cystic fibrosis.

Anne Slater, Chief Executive of National Records of Scotland, added: “There are always more deaths in the winter in Scotland than in any other season, but the long-term trend since the early 1950s has clearly been downward.

“However, the average value for the last five years is now above the level that had applied since the early 2000s”

LibDem MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton said the winter deaths rise was a “cause for concern”.

He said: “There are staff shortages across health and social care and this is clearly having an impact. The Health Secretary must set out what lessons have been learned from these tragic deaths and what changes have been made to ensure that our NHS is ready for another cold winter."

Tory MSP Miles Briggs said: “This is a stark warning to the SNP that they must prepare the NHS properly for winter and ensure that all our elderly and vulnerable patients get the recommended flu vaccination.

“Recent winter crises have been predicted, and then compounded by the SNP’s lack of planning, lack of NHS capacity and lack of roll out of the flu vaccine.

“This year, the SNP is denying over 65s the most effective flu vaccine, which could lead to more elderly people having more incidence and more complications due to flu.

“As these worrying statistics continue to emerge, it is quite clear that the SNP cannot be trusted to run our health service.”

Labour MSP Monica Lennon said: “Winter deaths in Scotland have reached the highest level in 18 years. These are our fellow human beings mourned and missed by loved ones.

“Many of these preventable deaths are linked to flu and pneumonia but instead of planning ahead, SNP Ministers have lost credibility by failing to buy enough enhanced flu vaccine for this winter.

"As a result, many older people in Scotland will be denied the high-level treatment that would be available to them in England.

“Lives are at stake and it’s over to Nicola Sturgeon and her Health Secretary to reassure people in Scotland that they are doing everything possible to equip our NHS to reduce preventable deaths this winter.”

Joseph Carter, Head of British Lung Foundation Scotland, said: “Last year 35% of winter deaths occurred due to a chronic lung condition, flu or pneumonia - conditions where effective early intervention can minimise and reduce the risk of hospital admission.

“Prevention is vital in protecting the most vulnerable in our society: those with an existing lung condition, children, pregnant women and the elderly, to ensure they don’t become ill over the winter.

"We must make sure that those who are at greatest risk, and those who care for them, get access to the help they need, such as a flu vaccine or emergency medicine to relieve their symptoms.

"It could mean the difference between life and death.”

Age Scotland called the figures “staggering and a real shock to the system”.

Spokesman Adam Stachura said: “The large increase in deaths due to flu and pneumonia should be setting alarm bells ringing. We know that during winter months the homes of many older people are insufficiently heated, as a result of high fuel costs and poor heating systems, and can lead to a greater risk of ill health and even death.

“This year energy companies hiked their fuel prices between four and nine percent, which could add hundreds more pounds to a person’s heating bills especially during long, cold winters like last year.”