21.10.14
Advice for NHS services to cut winter risks – Cold Weather Plan launched
Practical things that can be done to minimise the risk to health this winter are spelled out today in the 2014 Cold Weather Plan for England.
It is estimated that every year there are more than 25,000 excess winter deaths in England, many of which are preventable. The plan, which is published by Public Health England, the Local Government Association and NHS England, offers advice that people can take, before and during the winter, to reduce the risks to health.
It has recommendations for local authorities, NHS trusts, social care bodies and other public agencies as well as the general public and community groups.
It says that from the 1 November frontline staff in the community and care facilities should identify the vulnerable clients in their caseload and ensure care plans incorporate cold risk reduction. It asks communities to set up rotas of volunteers to keep the community safe in cold weather and check on vulnerable people.
Milk bottles being left outside, newspapers stuck in the letterbox and curtains being left drawn are all signs that someone may have fallen victim to the drop in temperatures, the report says.
As it gets colder and ice and snow become widespread the report advises GPs and frontline care services to expect a surge in demand and calls on them to consider cold as a factor when prioritising visits and make sure to see those most vulnerable first.
It urges everyone to consider how their homes can be better insulated and kept warm, to make sure heating systems are routinely checked and as flu circulates during the winter, encourages those eligible for a flu jab, to have it.
Cllr Izzi Seccombe, chair of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board said: “Soon the cold weather will be setting in and so it’s important to be ahead of the curve and start planning now. We need everyone in our communities to be on the look-out for signs that something might be wrong. Whether it be milk bottles left outside, newspapers stuck in the letterbox or curtains drawn all day, any sort of unusual activity could be a sign that something is wrong and that someone is in need of help.
“Council teams will soon be on standby to help with everything from carrying out emergency household repairs like defrosting pipes and fixing frozen boilers to delivering hot meals and portable heaters, and will be checking in on elderly and vulnerable residents to make sure they are okay.”
Jane Ellison MP, the public health minister, stressed that the NHS is prepared for winter but the aim is to keep people healthy so they don’t need to use the health service.
Dr Angie Bone, head of extreme events and health protection at Public Health England, said: “Every winter thousands of people die from a range of health conditions many of which can be linked to cold weather. The sad thing is many of these deaths are preventable through relatively simple measures, many of which are best done before the really cold weather sets in.
“Of course much of what we can all do is common sense, such as making our homes as energy efficient as we can and putting the heating on, dressing warmly and keeping active when it’s cold
“But some people find these things difficult to do and that’s why we’re urging everyone to think of someone they know who may be affected by the cold, like an elderly relative, friend or neighbour, someone not in the best of health or with very young children, to take the time to think about what you can do to help protect their health this winter.
“Older people, those with health conditions, even if they are well managed, and pregnant women are at much greater risk of becoming seriously unwell if they catch flu and sadly, many end up in hospital. The best way these people can protect themselves from flu is to take up the offer of free vaccination from their GP.
“For pre-school children a nasal spray is available that is quick, easy and painless and will help prevent them catching flu and the also help to reduce the spread of flu to those who are more vulnerable.
“These simple things can make a big difference to reducing health impacts this winter.”
Tell us what you think – have your say below or email [email protected]