The Met Office and UK Health Security Agency have extended the amber cold weather warning for the East of England. This alert has been extended and is now in effect from 12PM on 06/01/2025 until 12PM on 12/01/2025.

Cold weather can have serious health implications, particularly for older people and those with heart or lung conditions.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, it’s important to heat your home to a comfortable temperature. Aim to keep the rooms you use most – such as your living room and bedroom – at or above 18°C if possible. Remember to keep bedroom windows closed at night to retain warmth.

Check in on your neighbours and relatives in case they should need any help or support.

For further advice on staying safe during cold weather, click here:  https://www.midandsouthessex.ics.nhs.uk/health/winter/weather-warning-advice/

NHS services across mid and south Essex remain under significant pressure, with rising demand for primary care, hospital services, mental health, and emergency services. Our local hospitals are currently seeing high numbers of patients, including those with chronic respiratory conditions often worsened by cold weather, as well as cases of influenza, norovirus and COVID.

If you need medical advice, NHS 111 can assess and direct people to the most appropriate local service, including consultations with a pharmacist. If needed. They can also arrange a call back from a nurse, doctor or paramedic or provide self-treatment advice over the phone. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you have a hearing problem, call 18001 111 using the Relay UK app or a textphone. To access the British Sign Language (BSL) video service, go to signvideo.co.uk/nhs111. If you need help in another language, call 111 and ask for an interpreter.