The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a series of cold weather health alerts for various parts of England, warning that low temperatures are likely to result in increased use of health care services by vulnerable people.
An amber alert is now in place for the East of England, East Midlands, West Midlands, North East, North West and Yorkshire and Humber.
The government agency has highlighted an increase in risk to health for individuals aged 65 years and over, those with pre-existing health conditions, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and some other vulnerable groups, such as those sleeping rough.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said: ‘This is the first amber cold weather health alert of the season, but we can expect more as we approach winter.’
In addition, yellow alerts have been issued for South East, South West and London. All alerts will remain in place until 6pm on Saturday 23 November.
UKHSA has published guidance for professionals protecting vulnerable people during periods of cold weather.
The current cold snap follows a recent report for Public Health Wales that found living in a cold home where temperatures are below 18°C is harmful to health and poses serious health risks.
Under the weather health alert system developed by UKHSA and the Met Office, there are three cold-health alert levels that may be issued.
Yellow alerts may be issued during periods of cold which are unlikely to impact most people, but which could pose an increased risk to those who are particularly vulnerable.
Amber alerts are issued in situations in which the expected impacts are likely to be felt across the whole health service, where there is potential for the whole population to be at risk, and where other sectors apart from health may also start to observe impacts, indicating that a coordinated response is required.
Red alerts indicate significant risk to life for even the healthy population. Impacts would be expected across all sectors with a coordinated response essential.
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