Excess Winter Deaths

The Excess Winter Mortality Index (EWD Index) shows excess winter deaths as a Percentage Ratio of the number of deaths expected in the (eight) warmer months either side of Winter (01 December to 31 March). So the data’s yearly time period is from 01 August to 31 July the following year.

In other words, EWD is the ratio of extra deaths from all causes during the winter months compared to average non-winter deaths.

The EWD Index is partly dependent on the proportion of Older People in the population, as most excess winter deaths affect Older People.

This indicator covers all ages, but there is no standardisation in its calculation by age or any other factor. So figures for an area can be influenced for example by the proportion of Older People.

This dataset is updated annually. Source: Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) Public Health Outcomes Framework (PHOF), indicator 90360 / E14. Age breakouts, confidence intervals and metadata are shown on the PHE (PHOF) site.

Note: Please be advised that the ONS currently has this dataset under consultation for review (as of 09/01/2025) so may not be updated annually until the review has concluded.

The full notice can be found on the ONS link for the Winter Mortality publication - please see link in the Additional Information Section.