With the Met Office forecasting increasingly hazardous weather for today and tomorrow, it is likely that local health services will be under increased pressure.
The NHS in Gloucestershire is urging people to think twice before heading to A&E or calling 999 if it is not a life threatening emergency.
Simple measures to keep well during the cold weather include:
- Drawing curtains at dusk and keeping doors closed to block out draughts will keep houses warm.
- Heating your home to at least 18C, particularly if you have reduced mobility, are 65 or over, or have a health condition such as heart or lung disease
- Having regular hot drinks and at least one hot meal a day – eating regularly helps keep energy levels up during winter
- Wearing several light layers of warm clothes (rather than one chunky layer)
- Wrapping up warm and wearing shoes with a good grip
- Looking out for neighbours and older people who may be vulnerable to the cold.
Keeping warm indoors & outdoors is important to help prevent serious health problems. Wear several thin layers of clothes rather than one chunky layer #warmandwell #coldweather #staywellthiswinter pic.twitter.com/esheGHDAVO
— NHS Glos CCG (@GlosCCG) February 28, 2018
Cold weather can also affect people with mental health conditions, such as depression and dementia.
County hospice prepares for cold weather
Meanwhile, the Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice has been busily preparing for Storm Emma.
Hospice Director, Elise Hoadley, would like to reassure people that the county’s only inpatient hospice unit is continuing to provide its around the clock specialist care for patients and families during the severe weather conditions.
She said, “We have been preparing for this bad weather event since Monday and I would really like to thank our volunteers, staff and suppliers who are all pulling together and doing all they can to make sure our care can continue.”
“We have a snow plough lined up to keep access routes clear if necessary, purchased new snow shovels and made sure all our grit levels are fully topped up so people can get up to the hospice.”
“Yesterday we took the early decision to close our Day Hospice Thursday and Friday this week so patients and their carers could make any changes to their arrangements and ensure the safety of everyone having to travel here. We phoned each patient personally to let them know and plan to open as usual again next Wednesday.”
They have recommended that if you are unwell and not sure how serious it is, the Advice ASAP app or website (www.asapglos.nhs.uk) provides information about lots of health conditions, looking after yourself and where to find the right help.
If you’re worried about your health and need medical advice, call your GP surgery or NHS 111.