NHS in the North West issues cold weather falls advice

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Electric heater, cold, stock image

The NHS in the North West is advising people to take extra care to avoid a fall in the wake of a yellow cold weather alert issued for the region this week.

Last year, more than 86,000 people contacted North West Ambulance Service because of a fall and 40% of emergency call-outs to people who had fallen were during the colder winter months.

NHS England North West’s Medical Director, Dr Michael Gregory, warned that the drop in temperature means more chance of ice and snow, which can all increase the risk of a fall.

He advised: “People, especially older people and those at increased risk of falling, should take extra care during periods of cold weather by sticking to going out in the daytime, seeking help from family and friends to help clear icy paths and driveways and having enough food at home so they don’t have to go out if the weather gets really bad.

“Spreading sand or salt on icy surfaces on your driveway, garden paths, and steps can help. Make sure you are dressed for the cold weather – put on shoes that have a good grip and wear gloves to protect your hands in case you do fall.”

Winter is always a time of increased pressures for the NHS, with cold weather meaning NHS hospitals are likely to deal with high numbers of people injured due to slips, trips and falls.

Dr Gregory added: “There are a wide range of NHS services to help people stay healthy this winter. Your community pharmacy can help treat a range of common illnesses and injuries and NHS 111 can direct you to the best place to get help if you cannot contact your GP during the day, or when your GP is closed (out-of-hours). Visit 111.nhs.uk .”

Further steps people can take to protect their health during winter, including stocking up on essential medicines and getting flu and COVID-19 vaccines to reduce the risk of serious illness.

Other advice to help stay healthy this winter, includes:

• Heat your home to a temperature that’s comfortable for you. If you can, this should be at least 18°C in the rooms that you regularly use, such as your living room and bedroom.
• If you’re feeling cold, drink hot drinks regularly.
• Try not to sit still for more than one hour at a time. Moving even a little bit can help you to keep strength and mobility.
• Eating and drinking enough is also important. If you are finding it difficult to prepare and eat three big meals, try smaller ones throughout the day. 

A good idea is to draw your curtains in the evenings to reduce heat loss through windows, and tuck long curtains behind radiators so that heat isn’t trapped. And make sure warm air can circulate by keeping radiators and heaters clear – don’t put furniture in front of them or dry washing on them.

As the winter months are drawing in, look after your mental health as well as your physical health go to Every Mind Matters for advice.