SHOCKING figures that show the infant mortality rate for babies from Thurrock is 37% higher than the national average will be discussed by borough councillors next week.

It's long been known that adult life expectancy in Thurrock is the lowest in Mid & South Essex and lower than England's average for both men and women but the worrying rate for infant death has prompted a new health strategy, setting out plans to give babies a healthier start in life.

The borough now has a record of 6.2 deaths of babies per 1,000 live births, compared with a national average of 3.9.

The figures are highlighted in Thurrock's proposed Health and Wellbeing Strategy for 2027 to 2030, which councillors will consider next Thursday at a meeting of its Adult and Health Services Overview & Scrutiny Committee .

The strategy says more needs to be done to improve the health of mothers and babies, with priorities including tackling smoking and obesity during pregnancy, increasing breastfeeding rates and improving childhood vaccination uptake.

Improving health during pregnancy and the early years will form a key part of the strategy, with an emphasis on giving families support earlier.

Cllr Rob Willoughby, cabinet member for adults, health and housing, said the strategy uses evidence about health inequalities in Thurrock to guide how the council, health organisations and other partners target support.

He said: "The causes of the borough's higher infant mortality rate are complex.

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"Through the strategy, we will work with health partners to ensure that expectant and new parents receive the help and support they need to give their children the best possible start in life.

"This includes support through the Brighter Futures Children's Partnership Strategy."

NHS Essex ICB said health and other public services review every child death in Thurrock to understand what happened and identify any lessons which could help prevent future deaths.

The Essex Integrated Care Board is also asking parents and carers of babies to take part in a safer-sleep survey examining how advice reaches families and where improvements could be made.

Clare Angell, director of strategic commissioning for children and young people, learning disability and autism at NHS Essex, said: "Every infant death represents a profound loss for a family and together with partners, we are committed to understanding what the data is telling us and acting on that learning."

"We continue to work closely with all organisations involved in infant care to understand the factors that may be contributing to infant deaths, and will continue to support families to ensure they have the help, information and guidance they need to provide a safe environment for their children."