NHS board enlist penguin to 'teach Scots how to walk' this winter

NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde are counting on Petey to deliver the keep safe in the cold message.

Scotland's biggest health board has enlisted the help of a new expert to keep people safe this winter.

NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde is introducing Petey the Penguin to remind people how to walk in icy conditions as part of their top tips for staying safe and healthy as colder weather arrives. The health board is asking people to prepare for staying safe in the cold weather to keep them away from the country’s busy A & E departments.

Cold weather and icy conditions can bring a range of risks but, by following a few simple steps, people can protect themselves from slips, trips and cold-related health issues.

And to help with its seasonal campaign, NHSGGC has created a new character – someone who’s more used to the worst of the winter weather than most – to get the message across in a fun, easy-to-understand way.

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Petey Penguin was the brainchild of Laura Halcrow, Falls Prevention Lead at NHSGGC, and was inspired by a particularly cold snap last winter.

She said: “Last winter, on the coldest day of the year, our Falls Team shared advice on how to get about on icy pavements by Walking Like a Penguin. The stories we shared really caught the public imagination – in fact, our team even ended up appearing on the TV news – and people all over the west of Scotland were soon Walking Like a Penguin to help prevent slips and trips.

“With the cold weather about to return, we thought what better way to help the public this winter than to capitalise on our success – and just like that Petey was born.”

Throughout the winter, Petey Penguin will feature regularly in social media messages, giving people advice and information on a range of seasonal issues such as appropriate footwear and clothing for the conditions, keeping fit, active and warm, preparing your home for winter, making sure walking aids and other mobility equipment are fit for the cold weather and medication advice as well as the best way to walk in wintry conditions.

Laura Halcrow said: “The safety and wellbeing of our communities is a top priority for us, and while slips, falls and other seasonal problems are a major issue as winter approaches, there is plenty we can do to help prevent the cold weather resulting in a visit to hospital.

“That’s why we have produced advice on simple actions that you can take to keep yourself or a loved one strong, steady and safe this winter and beyond.”

Dr Emilia Crighton, Director of Public Health at NHSGGC, also reminded people that, in the majority of cases involving slips and trips, going to A&E may not be appropriate.

She said: “A&E is there to help the sickest people and treat the most urgent emergencies, and we would always advise anyone who thinks their condition or injury is very urgent or life-threatening to call 999 or go to A&E immediately.

“However, most falls and trips do not require treatment at A&E – and in fact you might be asked to seek help elsewhere if you arrive at A&E inappropriately.

“If assessment is required, our Minor Injuries Units are often best placed to carry that out, so we would urge anyone who has suffered a fall to call NHS24 on 111. They will be able to give you the advice you need, including directing you to a Minor Injuries Unit if required.”

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