Level of excess deaths reveal devastating impact of pandemic

The national charity for older people has expressed concern over new statistics released today by National Records for Scotland which reveal there were 64,093 deaths registered last year.

This is 10% more than in 2019 and 6,333 above the previous five-year average, representing the highest level of excess deaths seen since 1940.

Age Scotland’s Chief Executive Brian Sloan said:

“We know that 2020 presented circumstances unlike any we have faced in recent years, but such a stark rise in excess deaths – the highest seen since 1940 – is nonetheless cause for concern.

“While we await breakdown of the causes of these deaths, these figures alone throw into stark relief the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on Scotland.

“Health and social care services have faced immense pressure over the past year, and many people may have been reluctant or unable to seek medical assistance due to lockdown restrictions.

“These restrictions, combined with the disruption of medical treatment and services as priorities shifted during the early stages of the pandemic, may have led to later diagnosis and treatment in some cases.

“We also expressed continuing concerns about the removal of social care packages last March and the dire consequences these reductions presented for the thousands of older people who relied on them.

“These consequences were highlighted by the increase in excess deaths which then occurred between April and June, with those living with dementia among those most adversely affected.

“Each death represents a devastating loss for the family and loved ones. As we continue to take steps towards recovery, it is vital to ensure that everyone remains able to access the health and social care services they need to live well and is not hesitant to seek medical treatment for new or existing conditions.”