Annual Public Health Report 2010

Life expectancy in Southwark has never been higher, with women in Southwark living to an average of 82.9 years, which is above the national average of 82.3 and men in Southwark living to an average of 77.8 years. However, every year up to 600 people die in Southwark before the age of 75.  This year's Annual Public Health Report for Southwark focuses on how GP practices can work with their patients to prevent more early deaths.  Southwark's early death rates from heart attack and chronic obstructive lung disease (covering emphysema and bronchitis) was significantly higher than the national average.

Southwark's Director of Public Health Dr Ann Marie Connolly said "GPs are well placed to promote healthy behaviours, to detect 'silent condition' such as diabetes and high blood pressure and to provide good care and managment when they arise.  This is, of course, a two way process as people need to raise health issues with their GP promptly, keep appointments, agree any treatment plan, and take medication as prescribed."

"My report identifies specific challenges for primary care in Southwark.  These include the potential large numbers of people with undiagnosed silent conditions, the variation in outcomes achieved by GP practices, and the large numbers of people moving in and out of the borough every year."

"It is also essential that we invest in preventative interventions that will make the difference in the long term. Helping people quit smoking, screening for alcohol use and promoting physical activity are three important ways to improve long-term health".

  Dr Ann Marie Connolly, Director of Public Health