Patients urged to take care during cold snap
Parents of young children are being warned to take care as forecasters predict heavy snowfall across the West Midlands overnight.
Weather warnings are in place until Sunday 11 January, with temperatures dropping overnight due to the arrival of Storm Goretti which is expected to cause widespread disruption.
Parts of the West Midlands can expect to see up to 25cm of snow and an amber warning has been issued by the Met Office.
Hayley Durnall, Public Health Consultant at Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Children love playing out in the snow, but we’d urge parents to ensure they are wrapped up warm and are supervised at all times.
“Slips, trips and falls all become more likely during wet, cold and icy weather conditions, so it’s important to be mindful of the weather before venturing outside.
“We’d also urge those who are pregnant to be careful if they are going out and about.
“There are many steps that can be taken to reduce the chances of falling, including keeping hands free to help stabilise yourself, wearing shoes with good grip and avoiding going out early in the morning when frost is thick or late at night when it’s dark.”
Tips to staying safe include:
· Wearing shoes or boots with a flat, low heel and a slip-resistant sole to reduce slipping hazards and a good tread that helps to grip the surface.
· Keeping warm and wear layers, both inside and outside.
· Keeping your hands free and wear gloves when walking so you can help stabilise or save yourself from a more significant injury if you were to fall.
· Giving yourself plenty of time to complete an activity or get to an appointment.
People are also being encouraged to check up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be more at risk of a fall.
Dr Natasha Behl, a GP in Solihull, added: “Cold snaps can be particularly challenging for older people and those with long-term health conditions, especially if icy conditions make it harder to get out and about. Checking in on loved ones during this time is incredibly important. A quick phone call, a knock on the door, or offering to pick up shopping or prescriptions can help prevent accidents and ensure people are staying warm, well and supported.
“Making sure someone has enough food, heating and medication may seem like a small action, but it can make a huge difference to their health and wellbeing during periods of severe cold.”
People are also reminded that if they need medical advice that is not an emergency they should contact NHS 111. The service can assess symptoms and direct people to the most appropriate local service, such as an out-of-hours GP service, a pharmacy, an urgent treatment centre or, if needed, an emergency department.