A recent analysis has revealed that residents of Stoke-on-Trent, a city in the Midlands, rank among the least healthy populations in England. The Staffordshire city, known for its economic challenges, was identified as one of the 20 most deprived areas in the country, a status closely linked to poorer health outcomes.
The study highlights that unhealthy lifestyles are more common in Stoke-on-Trent, leading to earlier onset of health problems compared to the national average. Consequently, locals tend to fall ill younger and face shorter healthy life expectancies. Women in Stoke, for example, have the fifth lowest healthy life expectancy in England, expected to live only 53.5 years in good health—a sharp contrast to 70.3 years for women in Richmond upon Thames, one of the wealthiest areas in London.
In nearby Sandwell, located in the Black Country and recognized as one of the most deprived parts of the country, the situation is even more concerning. Women there can expect just 51.3 years of healthy life, while men have a healthy expectancy of 52.7 years.
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Nationally, healthy life expectancy is declining. Between 2021-2023 and 2022-2024, the average healthy years for women dropped from 61.9 to 61.3, and for men from 61.5 to 60.9. The five lowest healthy life expectancies are all found in northern or Midlands regions, whereas the highest figures are concentrated in and around London.
Dr. Jamie O’Halloran, senior research fellow at the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), emphasized the persistent regional disparities: “Where you live determines how many years you spend in good health – and that gap isn’t closing. Reforming the NHS and bringing care closer to communities can help reduce health inequalities, but most of what shapes our physical and mental health lies outside the health system. Without tackling those root causes, we won’t see the gains we need.”
This report underscores the urgent need to address the social and economic factors behind England’s stark health inequalities, particularly in deprived northern and Midlands communities.