Overview
- The Met Office cold-health alert is in effect from 8pm on 28 December to 12pm on 5 January across the region.
- NEAS asks people with non‑life‑threatening needs to use NHS 111 online, urgent treatment centres, pharmacies or GPs instead of 999.
- Guidance for celebrations includes staying with friends, planning safe journeys, avoiding drink‑driving, and steering clear of risky confrontations.
- Residents are urged to prepare for cold weather by keeping homes warm and stocking regular medicines, pain relief and basic first‑aid supplies.
- People waiting for ambulances should only call back if symptoms worsen or to cancel, and urgent mental‑health help is available via NHS 111 by pressing 2.