Hospital ED sees increase in fall-related fractures

Icy roads and footpaths have seen an increase in patients presenting at Our Lady's Hospital in Navan with suspected fractures, while concern has also been expressed about the health effects the exceptionally cold weather is having on elderly people in the county. From Friday to Sunday, five patients presented each day at the emergency department in Navan with suspected fractures and, by Monday, the number with fall-related injuries who attended the department had risen to 13. The HSE has warned that the risk of slips and falls on icy footpaths is likely to continue in the days ahead, leading to an increase in the number of people presenting with sprains and fractures. The HSE is also reminding people that the elderly and vulnerable may need additional support during this adverse weather. People should pay a visit to elderly neighbours to ensure that they have adequate food, heating and prescription medicines. The elderly can be particularly prone to hypothermia and pneumonia when temperatures dip so ensuring they have enough heat and hot food and regular hot drinks is particularly important to their wellbeing at this time. With further severe weather predicted for next week, the HSE is advising the public to take all all take the recommended precautions to reduce the risk of hypothermia, frostbite and falls. The HSE advice to the public is to wear well-fitting shoes with non-slip soles if people have to go out, but try to limit walking during the current cold weather. Boots with rubber soles and solid ankle support are essential to prevent slips and falls on the ice. “Keep hands out of pockets when out walking and,if you have a fall, even a minor one, make sure you visit your doctor for a check-up. Clear the ice from your footpath and around your house and assist less capable neighbours in doing the same,†the HSE says. The HSE is also advising the public to check in on elderly neighbours to see if they need help staying warm, have enough food, heat and prescription medications and to help older people to stay warm by ensuring that they are wearing layers of clothes, eating regular hot meals and drinking plenty of fluids. They advise the public that eating well will help keep people warm and to keep active by walking around the house regularly. “Wear several layers of light clothes instead of one thick layer. Wear clothes made from wool, cotton or fleecy synthetic fibres and keep your main living room at around 18–21 Degrees Celcius (64-70 Degree Fahrenheit), and the rest of the house at least 16 Degree Celcius (61 Fahrenheit). If you cannot heat all the rooms you use, keep the living room warm throughout the day,†it adds. Close the curtains in the evening and heat your bedroom before going to bed and make sure the room is warm before you get up in the morning. Further information on health services is available through the HSE Information Line on 1850 24 1850 and on the HSE website, www.hse.ie.