Cold weather can hit NHS

5th December 2016

Stockport has been in the grip of icy weather and it looks set to continue with the Met Office issuing a level 2 alert saying temperatures will remain at near freezing point until at least Tuesday afternoon.

Severe cold weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and even disrupt the delivery of services.

A level 2 cold weather alert for the area means they expect average temperatures to drop to 2c or below with the possibility of wintry showers, overnight frost and icy patches.

During these times, GP surgeries and in particular A&E see a massive increase in the number of patients coming through their doors.

Some are in urgent need of immediate medical help but others have common winter bugs that will clear up by themselves within a few days.

To enable the NHS to concentrate its resources where they are really needed, health chiefs are asking patients make sure they use the health services properly.

Patients should only go to A&E in a real emergency such as heavy blood loss, chest pains or loss of consciousness.

If you’re unsure if it is an emergency, call NHS 111. It’s a free number, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The call handlers will provide health advice and can put you in touch with the right service.

Being well prepared is the answer to many medical problems.- if you have a reasonably well stocked medicine cabinet you can treat most minor illnesses, like sore throats, coughs and colds and upset stomachs, at home.

It saves you a trip to your doctor’s surgery or hospital and also means doctors can concentrate their efforts on patients who really need their expertise.

Remember your local high-street pharmacy is part of the NHS. Pharmacists are highly trained professionals who can deal with minor illnesses and complaints such as coughs, colds, flu, stomach upsets, aches and sprains and the bonus is you don’t need to book an appointment with them.

For more information on winter health please visit http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/winterhealth/Pages/Winterhealthhome.aspx

Top tips to prepare for colder weather:

• Look out for friends and family who may be vulnerable to the cold and ensure they have access to warm food and drinks and are managing to heat their homes adequately.
• Try to maintain indoor temperatures to at least 18C, particularly if you are not mobile, have long term illness or are 65 or over.
• Stay tuned for weather forecasts, ensure you are stocked up with food and medications in advance, have deliveries or ask a friend to help.
• Take weather into account when planning your activity over the following days.
• If eligible seek entitlements and benefits such as Winter Fuel Payments and Cold Weather Payments, which are available to some.
• If you meet the criteria register for priority service with your energy and water suppliers.
• Avoid exposing yourself to cold or icy outdoor conditions if you are at a higher risk of cold related illness or falls
• Discuss with friends and neighbours about clearing snow and ice from in front of your house and public walkways nearby.