Our Health

The relative prosperity of the Primary Care Trust area is reflected in the general health of its population. Most people living in the area enjoy better than average health when compared with the rest of Gloucestershire and with England and Wales.

The major national causes of death are relevant for the population of the PCT area. Circulatory diseases account for over 40% of deaths and cancers for over 20%. Lung cancer, prostate cancer in men and breast cancer in women are the leading causes of death from cancer.

The main causes for emergency hospital admission for patients in the area are chest pain, abdominal pain, respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, and hip fractures.

The most common planned admissions to hospital are for hip replacements, hernias and varicose veins. About 650 cataract operations are carried out each year.

The total population of the PCT area, currently 190,000 is set to rise by about 5,000 over the next five years. The biggest increase will be in the 75-84 years age band, rising from 12,000 to 13,500. This has implications for the provision and future planning of health and social services.