UK hospitals expecting 'mayhem' when cold snap hits, top doctor says

[Northerner]

Hospitals will be hit by “mayhem” this weekend because of the coming cold snap, a growing number of people with flu and the NHS’s staffing problems, a leading doctor has warned.

Dr Nick Scriven, president of the Society for Acute Medicine, said hospitals will face “severe difficulties” this weekend as lower temperatures lead to a surge in patients needing care.

“Influenza is here and is already impacting the NHS and, with colder weather starting to set in, this will further stress already stretched services.

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/jan/03/hospitals-mayhem-cold-snap-staffing-problems-flu

 

[mikeyB]

Gosh, is it winter? Seems to surprise everyone each time it happens. Life is full of surprises, isn’t it?

 

[Madeline]

Amazing how the cold weather seems to take them in charge by surprise every single year.

 

[Wirrallass]

I went out earlier to put the wheelie bin out and everywhere was covered with frost. Very pretty and all that but it was brass monkeys out there. My garden temperature gauge says its a brrrrrr -0°C.

Anyhow I'll be doing my best to steer clear of A&E if I can help it. I'm fortunate that my home is centrally heated; I have food in my cupboard; and clothes on my back. I had the flu jab later than usual this year so I'm praying that this will protect me again this year. I have a loving caring family who will look after me should I fall ill and a caring GP who looks after my health and well being. All I hope for is that I don't contract the flu as it would be my chest that it would attack first ~ it is one of my weakest points.

The last time I had flu was in 1998 when I was hospitalised because I was diagnosed with pleuresy as well. Unfortunately for me I turned pneumonic and was very ill and almost died. After four weeks I was discharged to the care of my GP.

Please look after yourselves folk and take the necessary precautions to protect yourselves ~ we're in for a mighty cold spell. Take care.
WL