Snow and cold weather forecast triggers urgent national health alert warning of deaths
Share:
Incoming snow and cold weather forecasts have triggered an national health alert warning of deaths among the elderly. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a week long amber Cold-Health Alert for all regions of England until midday on January 8. Plunging temperatures will bring snow and ice and health chiefs say this will result in increased pressure on the NHS, risks to the elderly and infirm as well as possible problems for transport and energy sectors in Britain.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, UKHSA head of extreme events, said: “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.”.
A yellow Cold-Health Alert was already in place but this was upgraded to amber from midday Thursday. Yellow means cold weather is only likely to affect those who are particularly vulnerable, for example the elderly, or those with existing health conditions.
An amber alert upgrades that threat and forecasts:. a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions as well as impacts on younger age groups. a likely increase in demand for health services. temperatures inside places like hospitals, care homes, and clinics dropping below the levels recommended for assessing health risks.
