HEALTH chiefs in Bradford are urging people to use extra care when walking in wintery conditions.

NHS Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven, NHS Bradford City and NHS Bradford Districts Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) are promoting a 'use your head when it comes to your feet' message.

They want people to be careful in icy and slippery conditions this winter.

Dr Colin Renwick, chairman of NHS Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven CCG, said: "We want people to stay well this winter but we realise slips and falls can be inevitable especially when conditions are icy, and older people are often more vulnerable.

"But sprains and strains, if mild to moderate, can be treated safely at home, so that our accident and emergency service is left for those people who need it.

"If you use an alternative to A&E when you aren’t seriously ill, it could mean that you end up waiting for less time to receive care. This will also leave emergency services able to devote time to helping those with life-threatening and emergency conditions such as heart attacks, strokes and serious injuries."

The campaign has two key words - PRICE and HARM.

PRICE stands for protection, rest, ice, compression and elevation - the five things you are recommended to do with a sprain or a strain

HARM stands for heat, alcohol, running and massage - things to avoid following a sprain or strain.

The CCGs say demand on emergency services increases dramatically during winter, and that it is important that people stop and think whether their illness or injury really needs emergency treatment, as many people who attend A&E do not really need to be there.

Dr Renwick added that medical help should be sought if the pain is particularly severe; the joint or muscle cannot be moved; the injured limb gives way or cannot have any weight put on it; the injured area looks crooked or has unusual lumps or bumps other than swelling; there is numbness, discolouration or coldness in any part of the injured area; the symptoms have not started to improve within a few days of self-treatment.

The Pharmacy First scheme in Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven also provides people with quick access to a pharmacist who can give advice and support. It is available to anyone who is registered at GP practice in those areas.

For information and advice on treating sprains, strains and other injuries and conditions, visit nhs.uk. Advice on staying well in winter is available at nhsstaywell.org.

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