Data and Intelligence
The Department of Health and Social Care have a Palliative and End of Life Care Profile on their “Fingertips” data tool where the latest information can be viewed. Palliative and End of Life Care Profiles | Fingertips | Department of Health and Social Care
The following information is a summary of key findings from this information when viewed in 2025.
Place of Death
Over the past decade, hospital deaths have generally declined, though they rose after 2020 to 43.3% in 2023, slightly above England but below the North East. Home deaths fell to 21.4% by 2019 before increasing to 26.5% in 2023, similar to the regional figure but below the national average. Care home deaths have grown steadily and now account for 23.1%, higher than both regional and national levels, with COVID-19 likely influencing the rise between 2019 and 2022. Hospice deaths have decreased since 2016 but recently increased to 4.7%, while deaths in other places remain low at 2.4%.
Underlying Causes
Cancer-related deaths have declined overall, with a sharp drop in 2020 to 24%. Respiratory disease has consistently been more common in Hartlepool than nationally, though it fell to 10.2% in 2020. Circulatory disease deaths have followed a downward trend, remaining slightly below England at 20.3% in 2020.
Mortality Patterns
Hartlepool’s mortality rate has been higher than England since 2011, with a sharp rise in 2020, likely due to COVID-19. Rates are highest among those aged 85+, reaching 18,650 per 100,000 in 2020. Mortality among 75–84-year-olds is also elevated and rising, while rates for 65–74 and under-65 groups remain above national averages.
Care Homes and Community
The availability of nursing home beds for over-75s has declined over the last decade and remains below regional and national levels. Care home bed rates have also fallen but remain higher than England. Deaths occurring in care homes where this was not the usual residence have increased to 44.9%, above both regional and national figures.
Population Need
Hartlepool has a higher proportion of older residents than England, including those aged 85+. Deprivation is significant, with an IMD score of 35.0 compared to 21.7 nationally, and 22.8% of older people living in poverty versus 14.2% in England.