Intelligence update | September 2026

This page covers local intelligence releases of note in September 2026. You can view all public health intelligence updates on our Intelligence page.

This month the main updates in the supplied Fingertips extracts relate to:

At a glance

There were 163.3 deaths per 100,000 people referred to specialist mental health services in 2022-24. This was higher than England and similar to the North East.

In 2026, 27.1% of people lived in areas in the poorest fifth in England for access to healthy places and local hazards. This was higher than the North East at 12.8%. It was also higher than England at 21.1%.

In 2025, an average home cost 4.8 times average annual pay. This was 4.9 for the North East and 7.6 for England.

During April-June 2026, 25% of the eligible population aged 40 and 74 years old who were offered an NHS Health Check in South Tyneside received it. This was 33.3% in the North East and 28.4% in England.

Deaths among people referred to specialist mental health services

The updated Adult mental health wellbeing profile has new data about deaths among adults aged 18 to 74 who were referred to specialist mental health services. Referrals to mental health services in the five years preceding death are included with or without contact or inpatient stay.

Mortality for people referred to secondary mental health services

In 2022-24, South Tyneside had 163.3 deaths per 100,000 people aged 18 to 74 who were referred to secondary mental health services. This was 151.0 for the North East and 109.8 for England. The rate for South Tyneside was a statistically significant higher than England, and similar to the North East.

The rate of deaths from specific causes for those referred to secondary mental health services were also measured. South Tyneside had statistically worse mortality rates for cardiovascular disease, cancer, liver disease and respiratory disease compared to England. All were statistically similar to the North East. This reflects the inequality in early mortality rates between South Tyneside and England in the total population (See Mortality Profile | Fingertips | Department of Health and Social Care).

Excess mortality for people referred to secondary mental health services

The next measure looks at the size of the gap between people who were referred to secondary mental health services and people who were not. This is called excess mortality. Again, referrals to mental health services in the five years preceding death are included with or without contact or inpatient stay.

The amount of excess mortality in South Tyneside was 378.6%. This means that people who had been referred to specialist mental health services were almost five times more likely to die from any cause compared to the people who had not had a referral. This was similar to the North East and England.

The amount of excess mortality for cardiovascular, cancer, liver and respiratory diseases in South Tyneside were similar to the North East and England.

Access to Healthy Assets and Hazards Index

This new measure looks at the proportion of people who live in the areas with the poorest performing 20% in England for access to healthy places and exposure to hazards. Healthy assets include green space and health services and hazards include air pollution and types of retail services such as fast food and gambling outlets.

In 2026, 27.1% of the South Tyneside population lived in areas in the poorest fifth in England. This was higher than the North East at 12.8%. It was also higher than England at 21.1%.

Buying a home is more affordable than in England

This measure compares average house prices with average yearly pay. A higher number means homes are less affordable.

In 2025, this ratio was 4.8 for South Tyneside, that is an average (median) home cost about 4.8 times average (median) yearly pay. This was 4.9 for the North East and 7.6 for England.

NHS Health Checks

NHS Health Checks help find early risk and prevent heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease and certain types of dementia. They are for eligible adults aged 40 to 74. The latest figures cover April to June 2026.

Percentage of NHS Health Checks offered to the total eligible population: South Tyneside 5.9%; North East 5.0%; England 6.3%.

Percentage of NHS Health Checks received by the total eligible population: South Tyneside 1.5%; North East 1.7%; England 1.8%.

Percentage of NHS Health Checks offered which were taken up: South Tyneside 24.8%; North East 33.3%; England 28.4%.

South Tyneside offered checks to more people than the North East, but to fewer people than England.

The proportion who received a check was lower than both areas. Take-up was also lower than both areas.

This shows a gap between an offer and a completed check. Local work may need to look at awareness, access and appointment choice.

Note: The ‘percentage of NHS health checks offered which were taken up’ indicator looks at the total number of NHS health checks offered within an area & the total NHS health checks received in that area, expressed as a percentage.

Healthy life expectancy

Healthy life expectancy means the years a person may live in good health. It is different from total life expectancy.

A new measure has been added using 2021 Census data. The source update did not include the local figure. It should be added when it is checked.

Sources: Office for Health Improvement and Disparities Fingertips profiles. Data published or updated in September 2026.