The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber Cold-Health Alert (CHA) for the Yorkshire & Humber, North West and North East regions of England. All other regions in England will be under a yellow alert from 12pm on Monday 17 November to 8am on Saturday 22 November.
Expected low temperatures are likely 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, those with pre-existing health conditions (including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases).
UKHSA has published guidance for professionals protecting vulnerable people and for the public on staying safe during periods of cold weather. There is also guidance on supporting vulnerable people before and during cold weather: for adult social care managers - GOV.UK, with suggested actions that providers of health or social care should consider at each Cold-Health Alert level.
Cold-Health Alert levels apply to England only. There are UK-wide weather warnings in place for snow and ice in Scotland: UK weather warnings - Met Office.
The Homecare Association has Winter Planning Guidance, which covers a range of health and safety issues.
The Department of Health and Social Care has produced a factsheet outlining what the government has done differently this year to help the NHS prepare for winter. The factsheet contains FAQs, as well as links to further information and public-facing campaign resources. Click here to download.
