Cold snap warning as NHS urges families to avoid A&E unless it is urgent
With snow forecast across the UK, parents are being urged to protect children and only use A&E in real emergencies
A bitter cold snap is on the way, and the Health Secretary has warned it could pile even more pressure onto already stretched NHS services.
With snow and freezing temperatures forecast across parts of the UK, families are being urged to take extra care, keep children well and only use A&E for genuine emergencies.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said the coming days could be particularly challenging for hospitals, even as some winter pressures have started to ease.
The warning comes as many parents are juggling winter bugs, childcare disruptions and the practical realities of keeping little ones safe in icy conditions.
Cold weather set to increase NHS demand
Amber snow warnings are in place for northern Scotland, with severe weather expected to move south and east into parts of England and Wales.
Up to 2cm of snow is expected in some areas, rising to around 5cm on higher ground, bringing a higher risk of slips, falls and weather related health problems.
Wes Streeting said the cold snap could undo some recent progress made by NHS teams.
In spite of all of the challenges the NHS faces this winter, the Herculean efforts of NHS staff and our investment and modernisation mean that hospital bed occupancy is lower than this time last year and ambulance handover performance is improving
"But we still face intense pressures, and with this bitingly cold snap adding additional challenges, it is more vital than ever those eligible get their flu jab and people only attend A&E in an emergency."
What this means for parents
Cold weather can be especially tough on young children, older relatives and anyone with long-term health conditions.
NHS data shows that during cold snaps there is often a rise in:
- Respiratory illnesses such as flu and chest infections
- Heart attacks and strokes
- Trips and falls due to icy pavements and roads
For parents, that can mean more winter coughs, breathing difficulties and accidents at home or outdoors.
Health leaders are reminding families that NHS 111, either by phone or online, should be the first port of call for non life-threatening concerns. It can help parents decide whether a child needs urgent care or can be safely treated at home or by a GP or pharmacist.
A&E and 999 only for emergencies
Demand on emergency services remains high. According to NHS England, the second-highest number of NHS 111 calls in two years was recorded over the Christmas period.
More than 414,000 calls were answered during Christmas week, almost 24,000 more than the week before.
Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS national medical director, urged the public to use services appropriately.
"It's vital that the public please continue to only use 999 and A&E in life-threatening emergencies and use NHS 111 and 111 online for other conditions," she said.
For parents, that means calling 999 or going to A&E if a child is struggling to breathe, has a seizure, becomes unresponsive, or has a serious injury. For fevers, coughs, tummy bugs or minor injuries, NHS 111 can often help more quickly.
Flu cases ease, but winter is not over
There is some good news. The number of people in hospital with flu in England has fallen for the second week in a row.
An average of 2,676 flu patients were in hospital each day in the week ending December 28, down 13% on the previous week. However, 128 flu patients were still in critical care beds, slightly up on the week before.
Professor Pandit said the drop was partly due to vaccination efforts.
"It is welcome news to see a drop in the number of people being admitted to hospital with flu, thanks in part to the extraordinary efforts of NHS staff with more than half a million more people vaccinated against flu compared to the same period last year," she said.
"If you haven't had your flu jab yet and are eligible, please come forward, it's not too late."
Staying safe during the cold snap
Health charities are also urging families to prepare for colder weather.
Ruth Goss, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, said: "Cold temperatures can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes, and people with cardiovascular disease are also more at risk of serious illness if they get seasonal respiratory infections like flu."
"It's especially important that people living with heart conditions are well prepared for the cold snap this winter by wrapping up warm and having their free flu jab."
For parents, simple steps can make a big difference, keeping homes warm, dressing children in layers, checking in on elderly relatives and avoiding unnecessary journeys in icy conditions.
As the winter weather bites, NHS leaders are asking families to help protect services by using the right care at the right time, so help is there for those who need it most.
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Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.