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22/11/2011
DoH Preps For Winter Illlness Wave
The Department of Health (DoH) has issued advice to the public to prepare for winter and to look out for vulnerable people.
The department said that as the weather gets colder, it is important to remember the needs of friends, elderly relatives and neighbours who could be at risk.
Quoting official figures from the Office of National Statistics, the department said cold weather can have a "deadly impact". Last year, there were an estimated 25,700 excess deaths mostly linked to circulatory and respiratory diseases.
Public Health Minister Anne Milton said: “Despite the harsh conditions during December 2010, excess winter deaths in England and Wales remained virtually unchanged from the previous winter but there is no room for complacency. We want to ensure that the NHS and the public are as well prepared this year and that we reduce this figure further.
Ms Milton said the department was working across Government on cold weather plans, supported by the Warm Homes Healthy People Fund of at least £30m, which was announced in the Cold Weather Plan for England.
“The elderly, and those who are ill, are particularly vulnerable during cold weather. We all have a role to play in remembering the needs of friends, relatives and neighbours who could be at risk especially at this time of year”.
The department said that following a few basic principles can make a big difference to the safety and wellbeing of those at risk, such as; checking on them to make sure they are safe and well; making sure they're warm enough, especially at night; and stocking up on food and medicines.
"There is always more pressure on the NHS at this time of year and this year will be no different. It deals with rises in slips, trips and falls, increases in admissions due to flu and other health problems associated with the colder weather and the winter vomiting bug noro-virus," a spokesman for the department said.
(DW)
The department said that as the weather gets colder, it is important to remember the needs of friends, elderly relatives and neighbours who could be at risk.
Quoting official figures from the Office of National Statistics, the department said cold weather can have a "deadly impact". Last year, there were an estimated 25,700 excess deaths mostly linked to circulatory and respiratory diseases.
Public Health Minister Anne Milton said: “Despite the harsh conditions during December 2010, excess winter deaths in England and Wales remained virtually unchanged from the previous winter but there is no room for complacency. We want to ensure that the NHS and the public are as well prepared this year and that we reduce this figure further.
Ms Milton said the department was working across Government on cold weather plans, supported by the Warm Homes Healthy People Fund of at least £30m, which was announced in the Cold Weather Plan for England.
“The elderly, and those who are ill, are particularly vulnerable during cold weather. We all have a role to play in remembering the needs of friends, relatives and neighbours who could be at risk especially at this time of year”.
The department said that following a few basic principles can make a big difference to the safety and wellbeing of those at risk, such as; checking on them to make sure they are safe and well; making sure they're warm enough, especially at night; and stocking up on food and medicines.
"There is always more pressure on the NHS at this time of year and this year will be no different. It deals with rises in slips, trips and falls, increases in admissions due to flu and other health problems associated with the colder weather and the winter vomiting bug noro-virus," a spokesman for the department said.
(DW)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
