HOSPITAL MAYHEM
‘Killer weekend’ freeze crisis
HOSPITALS are facing a crisis this weekend.
Cold weather and a peak of winter illnesses will combine to create a perfect storm.
Public Health England has issued a level two alert – warning vulnerable people to be prepared for bad weather – for the north of England and West Midlands.
The south of the country has a less severe level one warning in place.
Freezing weather will hit as chest infections and flu cases rise.
The news comes a day after the Daily Star revealed that January 6 is the day that sees more deaths in the UK than any other.
Hospitals across the country have complained of full emergency units and intensive care rooms.
Dr Nick Scriven, 44, a consultant at Halifax Hospital in West Yorkshire, and president of the Society for Acute Medicine, warned of the dangers yesterday.
He said: “I and many colleagues across the country are anticipating mayhem this weekend as temperatures drop.
“It will come as no surprise to us. In the last week I have had colleagues warning of emergency departments and intensive care units being full, and that will only worsen.”
But an NHS spokesman said: “Thanks to the hard work and preparation of staff, the health service is performing better this winter than last.”
The Star Says: Page 6