Excess deaths a new methodology and better understanding  The COVID-19 pandemic heightened interest in patterns and levels of excess deaths, typically defined as deaths over the number that might be expected to occur in an average year. But with different organisations using different methods to calculate excess deaths, it can be difficult to build a clear picture. Working across government and the devolved nations, we have now agreed a common UK-wide approach to producing national estimates of excess mortality. As Julie Stanborough explains, this new methodology will give us a better understanding in this complex area. | 
