The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has expanded the current amber cold-health alert (CHA) to all regions of England. Previously, only the North West and North East regions were under an amber alert, and all other regions were under a yellow alert.
The amber alert will be in place from 8 pm on Wednesday, 31 December, until 10 am on Tuesday, 6 January.
Under the Weather Health Alerting system introduced by UKHSA and the Met Office, an amber cold-health alert means that cold weather impacts are likely to be felt across the health and social care sector, with potential for the whole population to be at risk. Other sectors may also be impacted, which will necessitate a coordinated response.
Forecast low temperatures are predicted to result in increased use of health care services by vulnerable people and an increase in risk to health for individuals aged 65 years and over and those with serious underlying health conditions, particularly respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Other vulnerable groups such as those sleeping rough, will also be at increased risk.
“The weather is forecast to be very cold across England over the coming few days. Low temperatures like these can have serious impacts on the health of some people, particularly older people and those with serious health conditions. Exposure to cold can lead to increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections.
“It is therefore really important, as the colder weather sets in, to check in on friends, family and neighbours that are most vulnerable,” said Dr Paul Coleman, Consultant in Health Protection at UKHSA.
Leave a Reply