As the weather
gets colder, it is important to remember the needs of friends,
elderly relatives and neighbours who could be at risk the
Department of Health warned today
Official figures from the Office of National Statistics today
demonstrate the deadly impact that cold weather can have,
especially on older people during winter, last year, there were an
estimated 25,700 excess deaths mostly linked to circulatory and
respiratory diseases.
Following a few basic principles can make a big difference to the
safety and wellbeing of those at risk.
Measures such as:
checking on them to make sure they are safe and well; making
sure they're warm enough, especially at night; and
stocking up on food and medicines.
Public Health Minister Anne Milton said:
“Despite the harsh conditions during December 2010, excess winter
deaths in England and Wales remained virtually unchanged from the
previous winter but there is no room for complacency. We want to
ensure that the NHS and the public are as well prepared this year
and that we reduce this figure further.
“We are working across Government on our cold weather plans. They
are supported by our Warm Homes Healthy People Fund of at least
£30m which was announced in the Cold Weather Plan for England.
They are also supported by our pledge to retain the winter fuel
allowance, which will help people to keep homes warm.
“The elderly, and those who are ill, are particularly vulnerable
during cold weather. We all have a role to play in remembering the
needs of friends, relatives and neighbours who could be at risk
especially at this time of year”.
There is always more pressure on the NHS at this time of year and
this year will be no different. It deals with rises in slips,
trips and falls, increases in admissions due to flu and other
health problems associated with the colder weather and the winter
vomiting bug noro-virus.
The routine preparations have seen each local area put escalation
procedures in place for:
greater bed capacity at peak times;better transfers of patients
between ambulance and hospital;heightened operational readiness;
andenhanced out of hours arrangements.
Commenting on the specific challenges the NHS faces at this time
of year Health Minister Anne Milton said
“Every year, there is extra pressure on NHS services over the
winter months. That’s why we’ve asked the NHS to put plans in
place to help reduce the risks of a surge in demand.
“Across the country, our staff are already working hard and doing
great work to respond to this extra demand and I am very grateful
for all their continued efforts.
“Always dial ‘999’ in an emergency. But if you do not have an
emergency, it may be more appropriate to contact your GP, NHS
Direct (or NHS 111 where currently available) or your pharmacy.”
The Department of Health also produces leaflets and posters
giving advice on how to keep warm and well available for download
for NHS and local organisations.
ENDS
Notes to Editor
For further information please contact the DH press office on
020 7210 5221.For more information on the Cold Weather Plan for
England please visit:
www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/publicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_130564
3. Winterwatch–The online hub will provide regular updates about
the increased demand on the NHS during the cold winter months and
offer practical advice on keeping well when the weather is very
cold. For first time, it will also publish information about flu,
pressure on A&E and hospital statistics in one single
place.www.dh.gov.uk/winterwatch
Contacts:
Department of Health
Phone: 020 7210 5221
NDS.DH@coi.gsi.gov.uk