NATIONAL NEWS; Yellow Cold-Health Alert
- HEALTH TEAM
- Jan 8, 2024
- 2 min read
Please be informed that the UK Health Security Agency has issued a Yellow Cold-Health Alert for the South East, which covers Reading Borough. The alert has been extended and is in effect until 12/01/2024 at 12:00.
As published on UKHSA and Met Office’s dashboard, this means that minor impacts are probable across the health and social care sector.
There is clear evidence on how cold temperatures and winter weather poses risks and impacts to health, with some groups of people being especially vulnerable.
The winter period sees a substantial increase in illnesses and deaths, and the cold weather may also disrupt the delivery of health and other services.
Key groups at risk from cold weather
older people aged over 65 years old
people with pre-existing chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or diabetes
people with mental ill-health that reduces individual’s ability to self-care (including
dementia)
pregnant women (in view of potential impact of heat and cold on risk of preterm birth)
children under the age of 5
people with learning difficulties
people assessed as being at risk of, or having had, recurrent falls
people who live alone and may be unable to care for themselves
people who are housebound or otherwise low mobility
people living in deprived circumstances
people living in houses with mould
people who are fuel poor
people experiencing homelessness or people sleeping rough
other marginalised or socially isolated individuals or groups
MORE INFORMATION HERE
Specific guidance on supporting vulnerable people
For people looking after children and those in early years settings
Action cards summarising actions at different alert levels
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