Causes of death

• There were 183,131 deaths in 2023, a 4.1% decline from 2022. 
• Ischaemic heart disease remained the leading cause of death, but less than 250 deaths separate it from dementia which was the second leading cause. 
• COVID-19 was the 9th leading cause of death accounting for just over 5,000 deaths. 

Statistics on doctor certified death registrations

• 14,515 deaths occurred in January 2025, 3.2% fewer than 2024 and 2.2% fewer than 2023.
• There were 48.5% fewer deaths from or with COVID-19 in January 2025 (305) than in January 2024 (see article).