Northerners are more likely to use painkillers - with Blackpool hardest-hit by chronic aches, figures suggest

People in the North of England are more likely to need painkillers – with Blackpool hardest-hit by chronic aches, new figures suggest.

NHS data on GP prescriptions shows that 22 of the country's 106 Clinical Commissioning Groups spent more than £10 per patient on the drugs last year – all in the North.

NHS data on GP prescriptions shows 22 of the country's 106 Clinical Commissioning Groups spent more than £10 per patient on painkillers last year – all in the North (stock image)

By contrast, ten areas spent less than £5 on medication such as paracetamol, codeine and morphine, all in London and the South.

Blackpool GP Dr Neil Hartley-Smith said deprivation in the area meant patients had long-term conditions and complex care needs.