Hospitals across the UK are bracing for the impact of this weekend’s cold snap on emergency services. With the Met Office predicting sub-zero temperatures and snow, St George’s, Epsom and St Helier’s emergency departments (EDs) are expecting demand to soar as the temperature drops.
While icy conditions can cause more slips and falls, the impact of cold weather on the body can also increase the risk of strokes, heart attacks and respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia – particularly in vulnerable people, including older adults and those with existing health conditions.
This can put extra pressure on the NHS, which is already feeling the strain from a wave of winter viruses. NHS chiefs are advising Brits to check in on people who may need extra support during cold spells, including older friends, family and neighbours. People struggling with winter illnesses, like norovirus, should stay at home until they have not been sick or had diarrhoea for at least two. These days are when you're most infectious.
Health bosses add that it would be wise to stock up on medications or prescriptions and to utilise NHS 111 online should you need urgent advice. Professor Arlene Wellman MBE, Group Chief Nurse for St George’s, Epsom and St Helier, said: “Our hospitals are very stretched and we are under extreme pressure.
