This is the sixth edition of Key Health Data for the West Midlands. Key Health Data is published by the Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Birmingham. It is a collaborative project with West Midlands Public Health Observatory, the West Midlands Health Protection Agency, West Midlands Cancer Intelligence Unit, the Chemical Hazards Research and Management Centre and the West Midlands Fire Service.

Contemporary Public Health employs a wide definition of health. Key Health Data reflects this spectrum reporting not just on the measurable mortality and morbidity but also the social and economic impacts that affect a person's well being. The philosophy is to signpost reliable health, health care, environmental and social information and to highlight the variation across the West Midlands. Its purpose is not to determine the cause or to provide 'league tables' of ill-health, but rather to promote the widest possible debate and to encourage active collaboration.

The content of this year’s Key Health Data builds upon previous years’ reports which continues to be available on http://www.publichealth.bham.ac.uk/publications/key_health_data/index.html. We thank those who have helped in its content and production, and trust that it provides valuable information for those concerned with health and health care in the West Midlands and the authors will welcome any feedback you have.