Amber weather warning 'last thing NHS needs', says Rutland's Public Health Director
We're being told to check up on vulnerable friends and family
An amber weather warning for below average temperatures across the East Midlands could pile more pressure on the NHS, according to Leicestershire and Rutland Public Health Director Mike Sandys.
'Over the winter the NHS is under a lot of pressure anyway for a number of reasons. It is seasonal. Flu, cold, COVID - people's health is worst in the winter. It's almost straw that could break the camel's back territory.'
'If you are particularly older or have a pre-existing health condition, the most important thing is to keep warm. I know it's difficult with the cost of energy and the cost of living crisis, but try to maintain a reasonable temperature in the rooms you're in, be it the bedroom, the living room..'
'...For the rest of us it's a chance to be a good neighbour.'
The Cold-Health Alert issued by the UK Health Security Agency and Met Office was upgraded from yellow for the region, and is expected to last until midday on Friday (12th January).
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said:
"Cold weather can increase the risks of heart attacks, strokes, and chest infections, so it can have a serious impact on health, particularly for older people and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Temperatures are expected to turn particularly cold overnight, as we would expect at this time of year. If you have a pre-existing medical condition or are over the age of 65 it is important to try and heat the rooms where you spend most of your time, such as your living room or bedroom, in the coming days."