Health minister urges public to look out for the vulnerable this winter

With the recent bout of hazardous weather conditions and below freezing temperatures the public health minister Anne Milton has urged members of the public to keep their eyes open for friends, elderly relatives and neighbours who may be vulnerable throughout the winter.

Recent figures taken from the Office for National Statistics have revealed that there were approximately 25,400 excess deaths last year, which have been attributed to circulatory and respiratory diseases.

Despite the number of excess winter deaths having falling, Ms Milton has still warned both the NHS and the public that they should be well prepared this year.

‘The elderly and those who are ill are particularly vulnerable during cold weather. We all have a role to play in remembering the needs of friends, relatives and neighbours who could be at risk, especially at this time of year.’ She said.

Those who are well and active can help to ensure that the most vulnerable are safe and well by performing simple tasks such as checking they are warm enough and have sufficient food and medical supplies.

Health minister Simon Burns has said the government has requested that the NHS plan ahead to reduce the risk of a surge in service demand and added that staff across the country are already working extremely hard to respond to the extra demand.