Child and infant mortality rates in North West London have fallen by 9.7% since 2019, but disparities persist across age groups and communities.

A growing share of deaths now involve very young babies and those with chromosomal conditions. Infants under 28 days old and children with chromosomal conditions account for 57% of all reviewed deaths, up from 44% four years ago, according to the annual report of the North West London Child Death Overview Panel (CDOP). The panel said the overall trend is positive.

A line chart showing the rolling 12-month rate of child mortality in North West London from 2019 to 2026, with a linear trend line and a shaded region indicating the first COVID year.
A line chart showing the rolling 12-month rate of child mortality in North West London from 2019 to 2026, with a linear trend line and a shaded region indicating the first COVID year.Source: Health and Wellbeing Board papers, 9 November 2026

Deaths are also not evenly distributed across the population, with some small communities experiencing higher numbers. The report noted that child deaths are more common in deprived areas, partly because a larger population lives in these areas. While the link with deprivation is complex, the data suggests it may be a contributing factor in certain areas. Pockets of higher death rates within specific communities have prompted a call for further local analysis and action.

In 2025-26, 25 cases involving children from Brent were reviewed, up from 23 the previous year. The CDOP convenes panels to review sudden or unexpected deaths, which made up 45% of cases last year.

Line chart showing the percentage of completed child death reviews by age group in North West London from 2022/23 to 2025/26.
Line chart showing the percentage of completed child death reviews by age group in North West London from 2022/23 to 2025/26.Source: Health and Wellbeing Board papers, 9 November 2026

Key themes emerging from the reviews include issues related to CTG monitoring during labour, the use of interpreters, genetic counselling, and thermal management for newborns. The panel also identified challenges in communication with families, healthcare adherence, and the provision of palliative care, particularly for children who need to travel for treatment.

Serious youth violence and exploitation were also highlighted as concerns, with two cases in North West London involving children who had received threats to their lives, resulting in death.

Chart showing the percentage of North West London children (aged 0-17) and child deaths by national deprivation quintile, with a note that 44% of children live in the two most deprived areas, where 50% of child deaths occurred between 2017 and 2026.
Chart showing the percentage of North West London children (aged 0-17) and child deaths by national deprivation quintile, with a note that 44% of children live in the two most deprived areas, where 50% of child deaths occurred between 2017 and 2026.Source: Health and Wellbeing Board papers, 9 November 2026

In response to the findings, the CDOP is working with various health bodies and services to implement improvements. These include enhancing CTG monitoring training, ensuring appropriate communication with non-English speakers, and improving the availability of services like cold cots for families to spend time with deceased infants.

The Health and Wellbeing Board was urged to focus on specific areas with a higher incidence of child deaths to ensure that all available services are optimally provided to expectant mothers and vulnerable children in those communities.