State pensioners born before 1959 issued urgent warning by UKHSA

State pensioners born before 1959 have been issued an urgent warning by the UK Health and Security Agency. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued the first amber Cold Weather Health Alert of the winter season.

Expected low temperatures are likely to result in increased use of health care services by vulnerable people and an increase in risk to health for individuals aged 65 years and over, those with pre-existing health conditions (including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases) and some other vulnerable groups, such as those sleeping rough.

The amber alert will be in place from 10:00 on Monday 18 November with all alerts currently in place until Saturday 23 November at 18:00. Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: "This is the first amber Cold Weather Health Alert of the season.

READ MORE Two million drivers at risk of being 'stranded' due to mobile phone rule

"But we can expect more as we approach winter, and it is vital to check in on vulnerable friends, family and neighbours to ensure they are well prepared for the onset of cold weather. Particularly if they are elderly or otherwise at increased risk."

Amber alerts are issued in situations in which the expected impacts are likely to be felt across the whole health service, where there is potential for the whole population to be at risk, and where other sectors apart from health may also start to observe impacts, indicating that a coordinated response is required.

Red alerts indicate significant risk to life for even the healthy population. Impacts would be expected across all sectors with a coordinated response essential. The Met Office may issue National Severe Weather Warnings (for example, snow and ice) with short notice, so you can take appropriate action.

Elderly people should take particular care as snow is forecast to return on Friday, November 22 and into Saturday, November 23.