A Welsh health board has said that an increase in the number of people with ice-related injuries is putting pressure on services which are already under strain. A number of schools in Wales closed today due to icy conditions and snow after temperatures dropped to below freezing overnight.
Disruption was also caused to roads and airports due to the adverse winter weather. With yellow weather warnings of fog, ice, and snow in place for much of the UK there was travel disruption during Monday morning's rush-hour. Some UK airports also announced delays or cancelations of flights because of the weather conditions.
A spokesperson for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has spoken of how an influx in the number of ice-related injuries coming into the minor injuries department is putting pressure on services.
READ MORE: Welsh Ambulance Service goes to 'black alert' as staff unable to keep up with demand
Angela Wood, Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery, from Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board said: “We have inevitably seen an increase in people attending our Minor Injuries Units and Emergency Departments with ice-related injuries and this is putting additional pressure on services which were already under significant strain. We urge anyone who really needs to venture out in icy weather to take extra care and remember to wear warm clothes and non-slip shoes.”
Health boards in Wales have issued advice about avoiding a fall during icy conditions. Swansea Bay University Health Board posted advice on social media, saying: "With a yellow weather warning for ice currently in place across our area, there are many steps you can take to stay safe and prevent a fall.
"It’s important to be mindful of the weather conditions before venturing outside. If you’re going out, try to avoid the early morning when frost is thick or late at night when it’s dark, and remember to dress appropriately for the weather.
"Make sure you wear sensible footwear with soles that provide good grip. There are also precautions you can take at home to try and reduce the risk of a fall. Keeping paths and driveways as clear as possible and try to take the bins out during daylight hours."
The health board additionally advised people to use handrails when out and about and avoid using ramps; to be careful when getting in and out of a car as the ground may be slippery; to wear gloves to keep your hands free in case you slip; to let family and friends help with shopping; to let people know where you are going and when you will be back, and, if using blankets at home, to make sure they are put away before standing up.
The icy weather conditions exacerbated issues with the Welsh Ambulance Service, which declared a "business continuity incident" - known by many as a "black out" - due to the extremely high demand on its services. More than 2,000 emergency 999 calls were made on Saturday, December 10, while NHS 111 Wales received over 10,000 calls on the same day.
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