Hospitals across Scotland are experienced a huge surge of patients requiring x-rays and treatment after slips and falls and other ice related injuries following days of freezing weather.
Doctors in Lanarkshire are asking everyone to be extra careful as the snow and icy weather continues to affect roads and pavements across the area.
Dr Calvin Lightbody, consultant in emergency medicine at University Hospital Hairmyres (UHH) has seen the affect the icy weather is having on the number of people turning up to emergency departments across Lanarkshire with more than 30% of attendances on Monday 4 January being a result of slips and falls.
He is also asking people to make sure their children are safe if they are out in the snow either sledging on snowy hills or skating on frozen ponds as these activities can pose their own danger
With the forecast for snow and ice expected to continue for another few days, Dr Lightbody is reminding people that they should be staying at home but if anyone has to leave their homes for shopping or work to be extremely careful and cautious.
Dr Lightbody said: “We are experiencing a significant increase in attendances at our emergency departments across Lanarkshire with people who have sustained an injury as a result of slips due to the icy conditions.
“If anyone has to go out please wear sensible footwear and warm clothes suitable for this type of weather. If anyone does have a fall or slip the majority of sprains or strains can be treated safely at home.
“Local pharmacies can also advise on over the counter remedies to ease any slight pain, minor swelling or bruising.
“However, anyone worried or unsure if they need medical attention can visit the NHS Inform website in the first instance which offers a wealth of information on treating moderate sprains and strains. Alternatively, you can ring NHS 24 on 111 who are available 24 hours a day and will provide advice on the best healthcare service for your symptoms.
“By doing this, it will help ensure that we have the capacity within our hospitals to deal with patients who need emergency care.”
To listen to Dr Lightbody’s message click on:
Vimeo – https://vimeo.com/498317558
You tube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B860RYgNyl0
