Staying safe in cold weather

The current amber Cold-health alert has now been extended until 9am on Tuesday 14 January across the north west region. 

Expected low temperatures are likely to result in increased use of health services by vulnerable people and an increase in risk to health for individuals aged 65 years and over, those with pre-existing health conditions (including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases), and some vulnerable groups, such as those sleeping rough.
 
NHS services across Cheshire and Merseyside are under pressure, with demand for primary care, hospital services, mental health, and emergency services continuing to rise. Hospitals across the region are currently seeing high numbers of sick patients including those with existing chronic respiratory conditions which are often exacerbated by cold weather.
 
Cold and icy weather brings additional risks for people with long term health conditions and people who are more vulnerable. The NHS is encouraging people across the region to use NHS 111 online as the first point of contact for non-urgent medical advice.

NHS 111 can assess and direct people to the most appropriate local service, including urgent treatment centres, GP practices, and consultations with a pharmacist. If needed it can arrange a call back from a nurse, doctor or paramedic or provide self-treatment advice over the phone. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
 
If you have a hearing problem, call 18001 111 using the Relay UK app or a textphone. To access the British Sign Language (BSL) video service, go to signvideo.co.uk/nhs111. If you need help in another language, call 111 and ask for an interpreter.

Urgent treatment centres and walk-in centres provide same-day medical help when it’s not a life-threatening emergency. Some centres will be operating under reduced hours during the new year bank holiday. You can search for appointments via NHS 111, or check opening times here.

Alternative services such as speaking to a pharmacist, attending urgent treatment centres, and self-care are available to ease pressures on emergency departments. In addition, appointments in general practice are also available, people should contact their practices in the usual way, and they will be signposted to the most appropriate service.

Top tips for staying safe

There are a host of things that people can do to reduce the risk of falling ill during periods of cold weather. Spreading sand or salt on icy surfaces on driveways, garden paths, and steps can help. Dressing for the cold weather, wearing layers, shoes that have a good grip and gloves to protect your hands in case falls do happen.

Having a small supply of basic medicines, such as paracetamol, plasters, and indigestion remedies, is another way to manage minor illnesses or injuries at home, with community pharmacy teams able to offer advice on what to have a home.”
 
People looking for health advice are urged to use community pharmacies and NHS 111 online or you can call 111. You can find your nearest pharmacy here: Find a pharmacy - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
 
Other advice to help stay healthy this winter, includes:

1. 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.
2. If you’re feeling cold, drink hot drinks regularly.
3. 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.
4. 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. 
5. 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.
6. 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. 

For more information on staying safe during periods of cold weather visit the UKHSA website, NHS seasonal advice or Age Concern UK.

Services for people with urgent mental health and dental needs

If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, contact NHS 111 and select the mental health option to talk to a professional. You can also ring your local 24/7 mental health crisis helpline:

Liverpool and Sefton (ages 16 and over): 0800 145 6570

Liverpool and Sefton (under 18s): 0808 196 3550

Halton, Knowsley, St Helens and Warrington (all ages): 0800 051 1508

Cheshire and Wirral (all ages): 0800 145 6485
 
If you need urgent dental help or advice, please contact your dentist in the first instance. If your dental practice is closed, or you aren’t registered at one, you can call the local dental helpline for Cheshire and Merseyside on 0161 476 9651.

The NHS App lets you access a range of NHS services, such as managing your repeat prescriptions and viewing your GP health record, straight from your smartphone or tablet. You can download it via Google play or the App store, or access the same services in a web browser by logging in through the NHS website.