By Lucy Ashton
With the summer over and autumn well and truly upon us, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is asking people to prepare for staying safe in the cold weather.
However, they have said nothing about whether old folk will be able to afford to turn up the heating on really cold days now that the “cruel” Labour government have axed the winter fuel allowance.
Indeed, they appear to believe that staying on your feet on slippery pavements and keeping warm in a cold house is a subject into which they can introduce humour.
They are warning that cold weather and icy conditions can bring with them a range of risks, “but by following a few simple steps people can protect themselves from slips, trips and cold-related health issues”.
But for most hard-pressed pensioners this is no joking matter.
To help with its seasonal campaign, NHSGGC has created a new character – someone who’s more used to the worst of the winter weather than most – to get the message across in a fun, easy-to-understand way.
Petey Penguin was the brainchild of Laura Halcrow, Falls Prevention Lead at NHSGGC, and was inspired by a particularly cold snap last winter.
She said: “Last winter, on the coldest day of the year, our Falls Team shared advice on how to get about on icy pavements by Walking Like a Penguin.
“The stories we shared really caught the public imagination – in fact, our team even ended up appearing on the TV news – and people all over the west of Scotland were soon Walking Like a Penguin to help prevent slips and trips.
“With the cold weather about to return, we thought what better way to help the public this winter than to capitalise on our success – and just like that Petey was born.”
Throughout the winter, Petey Penguin will feature regularly in social media messages, giving people advice and information on a range of seasonal issues such as:
- Appropriate footwear and clothing for the conditions.
- Keeping fit, active and warm.
- Preparing your home for winter.
- Making sure walking aids and other mobility equipment are fit for the cold weather.
- Medication advice.
And, of course …
- Walking like a penguin.
Laura Halcrow said: “The safety and wellbeing of our communities is a top priority for us, and while slips, falls and other seasonal problems are a major issue as winter approaches, there is plenty we can do to help prevent the cold weather resulting in a visit to hospital.
“That’s why we have produced advice on simple actions that you can take to keep yourself or a loved one strong, steady and safe this winter and beyond.”
Dr Emilia Crighton, RIGHT, Director of Public Health at NHSGGC, also reminded people that, in the majority of cases involving slips and trips, going to A&E may not be appropriate.
She said: “A&E is there to help the sickest people and treat the most urgent emergencies, and we would always advise anyone who thinks their condition or injury is very urgent or life-threatening to call 999 or go to A&E immediately.
“However, most falls and trips do not require treatment at A&E – and in fact you might be asked to seek help elsewhere if you arrive at A&E inappropriately.
“If assessment is required, our Minor Injuries Units are often best placed to carry that out, so we would urge anyone who has suffered a fall to call NHS24 on 111. They will be able to give you the advice you need, including directing you to a Minor Injuries Unit if required.”
As winter approaches, NHSGGC is urging members of the public to familiarise themselves with the most appropriate places to access care – often from the comfort of your own home or right on your doorstep.
In fact, they are reminding people that accessing the right care is as easy as ABC:
Ask yourself: Do I need to go out? For information on keeping yourself well and treating minor illnesses and injuries from home, go to NHS Inform or download the NHS24 app.
Be aware: There is help on your doorstep. Your local GP, pharmacy, dentist or optician offer a range of services. Pharmacies provide these services without the need for an appointment.
Call 111: If it’s urgent, or you’re not sure, call NHS24 on 111. They’ll make sure you get the help you need.
Unless it’s an emergency, please think ABC before going to A&E.
For more about staying safe this winter, go to NHS inform
For more information on the best ways to access care, go to the NHSGGC website
Top picture: Dumbarton pensioner, the late John Devine, waiting in the snow for a bus to arrive in Round Riding Road. Picture by Bill Heaney
The minor injuries clinic is very often closed. Moreover, when it might be open the entry door is locked.
With cuts it will be locked more often, closed more often.
As for old people in cold houses that is just bad luck they need to get used to.
Heating is expensive, there a big profits to be made from energy bills, even the, standing charge is a rip off.
Pensioners should be like the Tory peer Michelle Mone and take off to their luxury yacht in warmer climes – and all paid for by the taxpayer.
Or maybe the pensioners should get freebies like, Nr, Starmer does.
But who cares. And you know, what too, but it seems that the £20m grant that was, paying for the Dumbarton High Street upgrade may now not be paid under Starmer’s cuts.
Douglas McAlisiter it seems, is concerned. No shit sherlock as they say.