The Met
Office and UKHSA have issued an Amber Cold Health Alert for the South East, until 10am on Friday 09th January.
This means the weather conditions are likely to cause significant impacts across health and social care services, including:
- A rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65+ or with health conditions. Younger age groups may also be affected.
- A likely increase in demand for health services.
- Temperatures inside places like hospitals, care homes, and clinics dropping below the levels recommended for assessing health risks.
- Challenges keeping indoor temperatures at the recommended 18°C leading to more risk for vulnerable people.
- Staffing issues due to external factors (such as travel delays).
- Other sectors starting to observe impacts (such as transport and energy).
Below are some key resources you may find useful:
General Guidance
· Keeping warm and well: staying safe in cold weather - GOV.UK
· Supporting vulnerable people before and during cold weather - GOV.UK
Specific guidance for your setting or sector
· Cold-Health Alert action card for the voluntary and community sector - GOV.UK
· Cold-Health Alert action card for commissioners - GOV.UK
· Cold-Health Alert action card for health and social care providers - GOV.UK
