The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued cold weather health alerts for all of England ahead of low temperatures this weekend and into next week.
Amber alerts were issued on Thursday and will run until January 8, with the agency warning that a rise in deaths is likely as the colder temperatures bring a risk of serious impact on the health of vulnerable and older people.
North East residents have now been urged to check in on those aged 65 and over or with pre-existing health conditions, be it family, friends, or neighbours.
Darlington Council has issued key advice to stay warm, heat used rooms, and keep windows closed – as well as avoiding travelling in bad weather.
Meanwhile, the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) has encouraged people to only dial 999 in the event of a life-threatening emergency.
Fay Scullion, CEO of Age UK North Yorkshire and Darlington, said it’s imperative that older people take necessary precautions to stay warm and safe.
She added that the decision to limit winter fuel payments have left many pensioners “struggling to afford adequate heating” – saying it’s even left some choosing between heating and eating – and called on the Government to reconsider the cuts.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who was recently quizzed about the winter fuel payment, said it was “definitely a weekend to turn the heating on”.
He added that elderly and vulnerable people who are cold should go into debt rather than risk their health earlier today.
Ms Scullion said: “We urge older residents to ensure their homes are adequately heated, aiming for at least 18°C (64°F) in living areas.
“Wearing multiple layers of clothing, consuming hot meals and drinks, and staying active indoors can also help maintain body warmth. It’s advisable to keep essential supplies handy in case of power cuts and to avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather conditions.”
The Age UK North Yorkshire and Darlington centre, on Beaumont Street SW in central Darlington, will remain open as a warm space.
She continued: “We would also encourage neighbours and relatives to check in on older people, especially those living alone, to ensure they have the support they need during this cold spell.
“It’s concerning that recent government decisions to limit winter fuel payments have left many pensioners struggling to afford adequate heating.
For many, it’s now a choice between heating or eating. This policy change is expected to push up to 100,000 pensioners into poverty, exacerbating the challenges faced during such cold snaps.
“We call on the government to reconsider these cuts and provide immediate assistance to ensure that older people can keep their homes warm without the fear of unmanageable energy bills.
“No one should have to choose between heating and eating, especially during life-threatening cold weather conditions.”
Rare amber warning and snow alert
Residents have been warned there will likely be an increase in demand for health services and a risk of temperatures inside hospitals, care homes, and clinics dropping below recommended levels.
The health alert was followed by a rare amber weather warning for snow from The Met Office, covering Darlington, Durham, Tyneside, and parts of Teesside.
The warning – in place from 9pm on Saturday (January 4) to 11.59pm on Sunday – presents a risk of rural communities being cut off and delays or cancellations to rail, road, and air travel.
There is also a yellow weather warning for snow and ice from 12pm tomorrow until midnight on Sunday, with heavy snow and freezing rain expected to cause disruption.
Chief operating officer at NEAS Stephen Segasby said: “As we approach another weekend, with a high risk of colder temperatures and snow, we would like to remind local residents to take care whilst out and about, keep warm, check on your neighbours and loved ones and choose healthcare services wisely.
People have been warned to take care whilst out (Image: PA MEDIA)
“This will mean that we can ensure emergency healthcare services remain available to those in the greatest need.
“We have seen greater demand for our services towards the end of the year, but we have also been able to treat more people in the community, which diverts patients away from busy emergency departments in hospitals.
“We continue to work closely with our partners to help minimise the impact of high demand and system pressures on our patients.
“We encourage people to only call 999 in the event of a life-threatening emergency and for all other healthcare needs visit 111 online, call 111 or consult a GP or pharmacist.
“We would like to remind people to take up flu vaccination and practice good hand hygiene as we continue to see winter viruses rise across the region.”
A Darlington Council spokesperson added: “Key advice is to stay warm, heat frequently used rooms and keep windows closed at night.
“Wear lots of thin layers and move around as much as you can. Avoid travelling in bad weather, check road conditions before you set off if you have to travel and if you are walking outside make sure you wear shoes with a good grip to avoid slipping.
“Please check on older neighbours, family and friends who might need extra help in cold weather. Keep in touch, check if they need help with food or medicine.
“If you’re worried about someone’s health, talk to your local pharmacist, your doctor, or call NHS 111 for advice and support.”
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Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, added: “The forecasted temperatures can have a serious impact on the health of some people, including those aged 65 and over and those with pre-existing health conditions, and it is therefore vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours that are most vulnerable.
“These people could be more at risk of heart attacks, stroke and chest infections as a result of cold temperatures.”