Warning as icy conditions forecast

The North West is expected to be hit by icy temperatures towards the end of this week. The Met Office is predicting a high risk of heavy snow showers, icy conditions and strong winds across the region. And the NHS is asking people to look out for elderly neighbours, friends and relatives, and to get themselves ready.

Dr Nick Dawes, Medical Director at NHS Heywood Middleton and Rochdale, said: “We know that each winter we can expect more people to die in the North West because of the cold weather.

“Falls and fractures are also a real concern for older people. We’re trying to get the message out through all our networks that we need people to prepare for this cold spell.

“Not only will they be protecting their own safety, welfare and health; they will be helping to ensure services are free to deal with local emergencies.”

Last winter across the North West there were over 4,000 winter-related deaths.

Dr Chris Duffy, Clinical Commissioning Group Clinical Chair and local GP said: “We know that if temperatures fall this increases the risk of respiratory problems and the number of people who have heart-attacks and strokes.

“We need older people and those who have long-term conditions 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.

“I would urge people to be good neighbours and make sure the people they live near, especially ones who are older or suffering from serious illness, are safe and well this winter. Make an extra effort to check on your neighbours during the cold snap. Vulnerable older people are more susceptible to the cold‚ so a quick visit to ensure everyone is warm and well can make all the difference."

NHS teams across the North West are backing the Choose Well campaign. Choose Well reinforces the message that A&E and 999 services are for life-threatening and serious conditions. High-street pharmacies can help deal with minor illnesses and complaints such as coughs, colds, flu, stomach upsets, aches and sprains.