Media Centre - Press Releases

NHS Warning as Icy Conditions Forecast for Region

8th February 2012 

The region is expected to be hit by icy temperatures towards the end of this week. The Met Office is predicting a high risk of heavy snow showers and icy conditions across the region.  And the NHS is asking people to look out for elderly neighbours, friends and relatives, and to get themselves ready.

Trish Bennett, Director of Service Improvement & Executive Nurse, NHS Merseyside said: “We know that each winter we can expect more people to die in the North West because of the cold weather.  Falls and fractures are also a real concern for older people.  We’re trying to get the message out through all our networks that we need people to prepare for this cold spell.  Not only will they be protecting their own safety, welfare and health; they will be helping to ensure services are free to deal with local emergencies.”

Last winter across the North West there were over 4,000 winter-related deaths.

Trish said: “We know that if temperatures fall this increases the risk of respiratory problems and the number of people who have heart-attacks and strokes.

“We need older people and those who have long-term conditions to make sure they keep taking their medication and have sufficient supplies so that they don’t need to go out for more during the cold spell.  I would urge people to be good neighbours and make sure the people they live near, especially ones who are older or suffering from serious illness, are safe and well this winter.  Make an extra effort to check on your neighbours during the cold snap. Vulnerable older people are more susceptible to the cold‚ so a quick visit to ensure everyone is warm and well can make all the difference."

“It is also vital to remember that the ambulance service and A & E should not be used as an alternative to your GP if your surgery is closed.  If you require medical assistance outside of normal surgery hours, Merseyside has a wide range of alternative health services available including GP out-of-hours services, walk-in centres and pharmacists who are qualified to offer advice and treat common, everyday illnesses.”

Alternative NHS services available to Merseyside residents:

• GP out-of-hours service – For times when you need to see a doctor when your GP surgery is closed, GP out-of-hours services are available on the usual surgery number and are staffed by local doctors and nurses who can offer advice or, if necessary, treatment at home or in a local health centres
• Walk-in centres – With no appointment necessary walk-in centres are managed by doctors and nurses who are available to deal with minor illnesses and injuries. Most are also open out of office hours, 365 days a year.
• Pharmacies –Pharmacists are qualified to offer advice on health issues and medication as well as treat coughs, colds and other common illnesses without an appointment.  For those that wish to speak to a pharmacist in private, many have a consultation rooms away from customers to discuss health queries.