Public Health England (PHE) is encouraging people to look out for those at risk from the ill effects of cold weather, following the recent cold snap in parts of the country.

The Met Office declared a Level 2 cold weather alert at the beginning of December and has predicted a colder start to winter than normal.  

Dr Thomas Waite, consultant in extreme events, said: “Every winter thousands of people die because of their exposure to cold weather, and we also know that every winter doctors’ surgeries, hospitals and other parts of the NHS are kept busy as people fall ill – that’s why it’s really important that we all do everything we can to ensure everyone stays well this winter.”

To help people keep well over the winter, PHE recommends keeping homes heated to at least 18ºC, stocking up on food and medicine before cold weather sets in and wearing lots of thin layers instead of a few thick ones.

More tips on staying safe in cold weather can be found via NHS stay well this winter.