ONS: Cold weather causes more deaths last winter in Britain

The severe cold weather last winter caused more deaths in Britain, with the majority deaths occurring among the elderly, official figures showed on Tuesday. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said an estimated 31,100 excess winter deaths occurred in England and Wales in 2012-2013, an increase of 29 percent compared with the previous winter. It said there were more excess winter deaths in females than in males last winter, with male excess winter deaths increasing from 10,590 to 13,100 and female deaths from 13,610 to 18,000. According to the ONS, the majority of deaths occurred among those aged 75 and over. There were 25,600 excess winter deaths in this age group last winter compared with 5,500 in people aged under 75. British Department of Health expressed concerns over the rise of winter deaths, saying that the National Health Service (NHS) has prepared for the winter health issues, which includes ensuring that people who are vulnerable to the cold are getting the help they need in the community. "The annual flu vaccination campaign is underway and has been extended to two-three year olds to help prevent the spread of the virus to those who are more vulnerable," it said. It has also supported hospital emergency departments to prepare for the expected increase in demand over winter by providing funding totaling 400 million pounds (648 million U.S. dollars) for NHS England.