The UK Health Security Agency has issued a week-long amber Cold-Health Alert for all regions of England until midday on January 8, as the Met Office issues severe weather warnings for snow and cold weather in the UK.
Brits are set to face a frosty nightmare as health chiefs issued an urgent amber alert due to deadly cold conditions sweeping the nation. Dropping temperatures have caused a chilling national health warning, with the elderly at serious risk from the icy blast—which could even lead to deaths.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warned of a week-long amber Cold-Health Alert across all regions of the UK, lasting until noon on January 8. With mercury levels expected to plummet, we’re in for snow and ice mayhem that’s set to pile on the pressure on the NHS.
The elderly and people with underlying health conditions are most at risk, but the Mirror reports that further disruption affecting transport and energy supplies all over the country is also expected.
Dr. Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events at UKHSA, issued a stark warning saying: “The forecasted temperatures can have a serious impact on the health of some people, including those aged 65 and over and those with pre-existing health conditions, and it is, therefore, vital to check in on friends, family, and neighbours that are most vulnerable. These people could be more at risk of heart attacks, stroke, and chest infections as a result of cold temperatures.”
Prior to the latest amber alert, there was already a yellow Cold-Health Alert watch in place – but it’s just hit amber from Thursday afternoon.
The cold snap is hitting more than just the streets in the UK, as even crucial facilities like hospitals, care homes, and clinics report temperatures plummeting below health risk assessment levels. The battle to maintain the optimal 18°C indoors brings additional hazards for the vulnerable as staff face hurdles getting to work due to travel disruptions.
One of the nation’s leading nurses has underscored the dangers of ice, cautioning that it brings an uptick in slip-and-fall accidents. Moreover, chilly weather spikes health risks, potentially triggering more strokes, heart attacks, and breathing issues such as pneumonia.
Professor Arlene Wellman MBE, the Group Chief Nurse at St George’s, Epsom and St Helier, has warned: “Our hospitals are very stretched and we are under extreme pressure. We expect to see higher demand during cold spells and in the days that follow and are doing everything we can to handle this. You can help us by checking in on vulnerable people and using services best suited to your needs, such as NHS 111.”
The Met Office has sounded the alarm with a yellow snow warning across England and Wales, stretching to parts of Scotland, signaling a frosty weekend ahead.
Meanwhile, forecasters predict the icy grip will persist into Monday.
Echoing the need for caution, a top doctor has advised the public to reach out to NHS 111 if they’re uncertain about visiting A&E, highlighting that seeking non-emergency health advice there might mean longer waits.
Dr Richard Jennings, Group Chief Medical Officer at St George’s, Epsom, and St Helier, has issued an NHS plea, saying: “It’s a common misconception that you will be seen more quickly if you visit an emergency department when it’s not an emergency – but in fact, you will wait longer.
Please stay at home if you have norovirus symptoms and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. If you haven’t done so already, get your flu, RSV, and Covid jabs if you’re eligible.”
Urging sensible healthcare choices, he added that the NHS 111 service is always ready to assist 24/7 and recommend the right place for treatment.
He also noted that for minor ailments such as colds and coughs, folks should seek advice from their local pharmacy, yet emphasized the importance of calling 999 or hitting A&E when faced with potentially life-threatening conditions.
(Daily Star)
