This is the eighth edition of the Key Health Data for the West Midlands. Key Health Data is published by the Department of Public Health and Epidemiology at the University of Birmingham. This year it is a collaborative project between the West Midlands Public Health Observatory, West Midlands Health Protection Agency, West Midlands Cancer Intelligence Unit, South Birmingham Primary Care Trust, Dudley Beacon & Castle PCT and Sandwell PCTs

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 effects 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 continue to be available on: www.pcpoh.bham.ac.uk/publichealth/publications/key_health_data/index.html.

We thank those who have helped its content and production, and trust that it provides valuable information for those concerned with health and health care in the West Midlands. We look forward to receiving any comments you may have