Ice and easy does it

HEALTH bosses are warning Oldhamers to think twice before venturing out on to the borough’s treacherous streets as we continue to be hit by icy conditions.

The number of calls to the North-West Ambulance Service went up by more than 21 per cent at the weekend as a result of slips and falls.

Shauna Dixon, director of clinical leadership for NHS Oldham, said: “We are really concerned that a number of people — of all ages — are suffering injuries as a result of the icy conditions, which make getting out and about dangerous.

“We need people to consider whether it is really essential that they go out. This is the best way to avoid the risk of spending Christmas and New Year in hospital.”

Derek Cartwright, North-West Ambulance Service director of operations, said: “If the number of people calling 999 services because of slips and falls continues at the same level, we need them to be prepared for the fact that there could be some delays in responding to them. We will always have to prioritise those calls that represent a life-threatening emergency.

“Don’t go out unless you have to and look in on elderly neighbours who may need help with shopping.

“And remember that 999 services are for life-threatening illnesses and emergencies.”

Hospital workers are on standby across the North- West to work extra shifts in the event already-pressed services are unable to cope.

And residents are being urged to “choose well” when it comes to seeking medical help.

The message is that 999 and hospital accident and emergency services are for people with serious injuries or illnesses.

Those with minor ailments and injuries can use the walk-in centre in New Radcliffe Street in Oldham town centre (opposite the bus station).

It is now part of the Urgent Care Centre and is open round the clock apart from Christmas Day, when it closes at 6pm and reopens on Boxing Day at 7am.

For the Urgent Care Centre, call 0161-621 3737, and for Oldham’s GP out-of-hours service, which operates from the same base, call 0161-336 3252.