Look out for the elderly during the cold snap
WITH dropping temperatures, snow and ice forecast this week, the local NHS is encouraging people across Northumberland to look out for elderly friends and relatives.
Dr Alistair Blair, chief clinical officer (designate) of NHS Northumberland Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “We would urge everyone to be careful in icy conditions, but older people in particular are much more likely to slip and injure themselves if they head out in colder weather.
“With the temperatures dropping during this cold snap you can help keep elderly parents, relatives or neighbours safe simply by offering to go to the shops for them or gritting their garden path.
“The cold weather can also bring an increased risk of chest infections, heart attacks and strokes for the elderly, so even if they are staying indoors, a visit to make sure that they are warm and well can make all the difference.”
Those with long term conditions are also encouraged 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.
Paul Liversidge, director of operations at the North East Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Winter is always the busiest time of year for the ambulance service. The number of incidents we are called to involving slips, trips and falls go up, as do the number of patients suffering from respiratory problems.
“The public can help reduce the risks to themselves, friends and neighbours by doing simple things. These include wearing suitable footwear for the weather, and by keeping warm.”
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Berwick-Upon-Tweed
Saturday 25 May 2013
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 6 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 7 C to 16 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: South west
