Only go outside if it is necessary

dailyrecord.co.uk:

As Arctic conditions continue NHS Tayside has warned residents only to go out if necessary.The health board has seen a "sharp rise" in the number of people attending its A&E departments at Perth Royal Infirmary and Ninewells after falling on ice.On Monday temperatures plummeted below zero to as low as -8ºC in Strathallan creating treacherous conditions for those venturing outside.The Met Office has forecast the cold spell to continue this week and an NHS Tayside consultant has warned residents to "take extra care" and "only to go outside if it is necessary".Emergency Department consultant and clinical lead for Winter Planning Dr Andrew Reddick said: "We have seen a sharp rise in the number of people coming to our A&E departments as a result of falling on ice."Our advice would be only to go outside if it is necessary and to take extra care when walking on icy roads and pavements.

Please grit your driveways and paths. Anyone venturing outside should wear appropriate shoes with a good grip and several thin layers to help keep warm along with a coat, hat and gloves."Dr Reddick also reminded Perth and Kinross residents not to go straight to A&E unless it is a life-threatening condition.He said: "If people fall and think they need to go to A&E, it is important to remember that the way people access A&E services has changed."To ensure you get the fastest access to the treatment you need, anyone with a non-life threatening condition should call NHS 24 on 111 first, day or night, to be directed to the right NHS service."If you think you need A&E, but it is not an emergency you can contact NHS 24 where you may be referred on to the virtual A&E for a telephone or video consultation with a senior clinical decision maker."You will