The rate of avoidable deaths returned to pre-pandemic levels for the first time in 2024, according to new data from NRS.
There were 16,023 deaths from avoidable causes in 2024. That accounts for 26% or one in four of all deaths.
The rate of 307 per one hundred thousand population is similar to the level in the years immediately preceding the pandemic. The rate of avoidable deaths from alcohol and drug related fell compared to 2023. However, the rate for these causes has generally been increasing since 2013.
Avoidable deaths are more common among males and more common in areas of highest deprivation.
Head of vital events statistics at NRS, Phillipa Haxton, said: “Avoidable deaths are those from preventable or treatable conditions such as some cancers, heart disease and stroke.
There is a strong link to deprivation and other risk factors such as smoking. Glasgow has the highest rate of avoidable deaths. East Renfrewshire and East Dunbartonshire have the lowest.
These figures for 2024 are the first to return to pre-pandemic levels.”
The latest figures show Scotland continues to have a higher avoidable mortality rate than the rest of the UK.
