NHS asks Darlington residents to look out for their elderly neighbours (From The Advertiser Series)

NHS asks Darlington residents to look out for their elderly neighbours

3:16pm Friday 18th January 2013 in News

HEALTH bosses have urged people to watch out for their elderly neighbours and relatives during the cold weather.

With snow and ice expected this weekend NHS County Durham and Darlington has asked people to take care while walking in slippy conditions and to look out for vulnerable people.

An NHS spokesman said: “We would urge everyone to be careful in icy conditions, but older people in particular are much more likely to slip and injure themselves if they head out in colder weather.

“When the temperatures drop in the next few days you can help keep elderly relatives or neighbours safe simply by offering to go to the shops for them or gritting their garden path.

“The cold weather can also bring an increased risk of illness for the elderly, so visit to make sure that they are warm and well can make all the difference. By looking out for the elderly during the wintery spell, you can help them to avoid an unnecessary trip to hospital.”

The NHS has also encouraged people to chose the appropriate health care service if they become unwell this winter and to only use A&E for emergencies.

For medical advice use NHS Direct online or call 0845-4647 or the free NHS 111 number.