Advice from NHS Bournemouth & Poole (20kb PDF - Dorset Police

FACT SHEETUSEFUL INFORMATION ABOUT KEEPING HEALTHYDURING SEVERE WINTER WEATHERKey message: Stay in doors during icy or snowy conditions to avoid falling – rearrangeappointments by telephone.At this time, the hospitals are seeing many more people with broken bones and sprainsdue to falls on icy paths and pavements. Whilst main roads are being gritted, side roads,paths and pavements can still be slippery. It may be difficult to see ice so to avoid injurypeople should stay in doors and avoid going out.If people do need to go out, they should check the weather forecast, wrap up warm andwear sensible shoes. They should also allow extra time for journeys and take more care.GP appointmentsMany people are concerned about missing doctor appointments at this time. Peopleshould call their GP surgery to rearrange routine appointments as early as possible. It isreally important that people let their GP know if they cannot attend their appointment. Itmay also be possible to arrange a ‘telephone consultation’ with their GP or practice nurseas an alternative to going into the surgery.PrescriptionsSome pharmacies deliver prescriptions. This arrangement needs to be set up with the GPsurgery in advance so that repeat prescriptions can be collected and delivered in a timelyway.Transport servicesTransport to and from out-patient appointments may be disrupted. People are advised tostay in doors and wait for a call from their transport provider. They should contact peoplewho are due to be collected and advise them of the arrangements in place.Hospital appointmentsPeople should try to keep hospital appointments however if they can’t get to the hospitalthey should call as early as possible so another appointment could be made for themKeep warmBy setting heating to a temperature of between 18–21°C or 64–70°F, people can still keeptheir home warm at a low cost. Heating should be set to come on just before people get up1

and switch off after they have gone to bed. If they can’t heat all of their rooms, they shouldheat the living room throughout the day and bedroom(s) before they go to bed.Keep an eye on vulnerable or elderly neighbours or relativesIf people can make sure that vulnerable neighbours or relatives are keeping safe andhealthy during cold and icy weather, this will be helpful. People could see if they couldshop for them, clear and grit or salt their snowy or icy paths or just call or visit to checkthey are OK, warm enough and not lonely. Keep an eye on your neighbours house for anyobvious signs of inactivity such as lights not coming on – milk not taken in etc.Plan aheadIf people know that there is cold and icy weather forecast, they should stock up onessentials. Wood or coal required for fires should be brought into the house or closer toavoid having to go out to collect fuel and stocks of salt or grit should be bought to spreadon paths to avoid slipping.Useful numbers and sources of informationNHS Direct – 0845 46 47 or www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk for health advice and reassurance, 24hours a day, 365 days a yearNHS Choices – www.nhs.uk online information about local services, health and the NHSDorset County Council web site – www.dorsetforyou.com/winter for the latest informationabout road gritting and disruption to council services for Dorset.Bournemouth Borough Council have a dedicated website section on severeweatherhttp://www.bournemouth.gov.uk/News/features/Severe_Weather.aspThey are also on Facebook (www.facebook.com/bournemouthbc) and continuing to postinformation on Twitter (www.twitter.com/bournemoutbc)2