Health chief warns of common mistake people make as hospitals brace for cold weather spike
Hospitals across London and Surrey are bracing for the impact of this weekend鈥檚 cold snap on emergency services.
With the Met Office predicting sub-zero temperatures and snow, St George鈥檚, Epsom and St Helier鈥檚 emergency departments (EDs) are expecting demand to soar as the temperature drops.
While icy conditions can cause more slips and falls, the impact of cold weather on the body can also increase the risk of strokes, heart attacks and respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia 鈥� particularly in vulnerable people, including older adults and those with existing health conditions.
This can put extra pressure on the NHS, which is already feeling the strain from a wave of winter viruses.
Health Chiefs are recommending people to:
- Check in on people who may need extra support during cold weather such as older friends, family and neighbours;
- Stay at home until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for at least 2 days, if you have symptoms of norovirus 鈥� as this is when you’re most infectious;
- Stock up on any medications or prescriptions;
- Use NHS 111 online if you need urgent health advice.
Professor Arlene Wellman MBE
Professor Arlene Wellman MBE, Group Chief Nurse for St George鈥檚, Epsom and St Helier, said: 鈥淥ur hospitals are very stretched and we are under extreme pressure.
鈥淲e expect to see higher demand during cold spells and in the days that follow, and are doing everything we can to handle this. You can help us by checking in on vulnerable people and using services best suited to your needs, such as NHS 111.鈥�
Dr Richard Jennings, Group Chief Medical Officer for St George鈥檚, Epsom and St Helier, said: 鈥淚t鈥檚 a common misconception that you will be seen more quickly if you visit an emergency department when it鈥檚 not an emergency 鈥� but in fact, you will wait longer.
鈥淧lease stay at home if you have norovirus symptoms and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. If you haven鈥檛 done so already, get your flu, RSV and Covid jabs if you鈥檙e eligible.鈥�
If you need urgent medical help, NHS 111 online 鈥� a 24/7 service that can direct people where to go for care 鈥� should be the first port of call. Pharmacies can provide advice on minor illnesses such as colds, coughs and earache.
It鈥檚 important that people continue to call 999 or go to an emergency department when it is life-threatening.
Vaccines help stop the spread of winter illnesses, as does washing hands regularly with soap and water.
