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• Provides information and advice on health and social care

• Offers health complaints information and advocacy

• Uses public opinion to help improve local health and social care services

IMPORTANT – Heatwave advice

06 August 2018

The Met office has issued a level 3 alert regarding a heatwave in the East of England. This means 90% chance of going above 30 degree C in our locality.

Please can you cascade this advice within your networks ASAP to support people to keep cool and comfortable and reduce health risks.

Tips for coping in hot weather

Shut windows and pull down shades when it is hotter outside. You can open the windows for ventilation when it is cooler.

Avoid the heat: stay out of the sun and don’t go out between 11am and 3pm (the hottest part of the day) if you’re vulnerable to the effects of heat.

Keep rooms cool by using shades or reflective material outside the windows. If this isn’t possible, use light-coloured curtains and keep them closed (metallic blinds and ark curtains can make the room hotter).

have cold baths or showers, and splash yourself with cool water.

Drink cold drinks regularly, such as water and diluted fruit juice. Avoid excess alcohol, caffeine (tea, coffee and cola) or drinks high in sugar. You can also get hydration from a variety of foods – please see the hydration boosting food poster also attached.

Listen to alerts on the radio, TV and social media about keeping cool. Heatwave updates can be found on the Met office website https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/heat-health/#?tab=heatHealth

Plan ahead to make sure you have enough supplies, such as food, water and any medications you need.

Identify the coolest room in the house so you know where to go to keep cool.

Wear loose, cool clothing, and a hat and sunglasses if you go outdoors.

Check up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be less able to look after themselves.

Use Emergency Services wisely – please only call 999 when it’s a serious injury or a life threatening situation such as unconsciousness, heavy loss of blood, severe chest pain or stroke

Click here for hydration boosting food lists

Take a look at the Healthwatch advert to get a better idea of what we do, and why...

A signed and captioned explanation of what Healthwatch is for, and how it can make a difference for you.

Anna Bradley, Chair of Healthwatch England, has been talking to Shana Pezaro about her ambitions for the new organisation.

Making a complaint about health or social care can be a stressful and bewildering process.

At Healthwatch Southend we run a complaints advocacy service that can help you to navigate the health complaints system and offer support. Click here to visit our complaints advocacy page and find out more.

Unfortunately our advocacy service does not cover complaints about social care, however our advice worker may be able to provide information on the complaints procedure.