Working out what the numbers mean

Figures showing geographic differences in place of death have been examined by the Natioanl End of Life Care Networks in a report, Variations in Place of Death in England: Inequalities or appropriate consequences of age, gender and cause of death? Analysis indicates that people on low incomes are more likely to die in hospital, which begs the question as to whether this reflects a greater prevalence of diseases requiring hospital care in the terminal stages amongst deprived populations. West Midlands Public Health Observatory has produced a mapping tool to show selected indicators concerning older people, at local authority and regional level.