Cold weather 'will kill hundreds'

There are fears as many as 50,000 people will die in the UK this winter

Nearly 150 people in Wales will die as a direct result of the cold weather in the week running up to Christmas, new research has predicted.

The study, released by the Faculty of Public Health and the Met Office, claims a higher proportion of people will die in the UK because of winter conditions than in either Finland or Russia.

The Faculty of Public Health is concerned that a high proportion of deaths are preventable and are mainly down to people living in damp and cold housing.

Health experts say that most of those who die are over 60, with the majority of deaths caused by circulation or chest problems.

There are concerns the UK government is not doing enough to tackle the problem.

Professor Sian Griffiths, president of the Faculty of Public Health, said the UK was "one of the worst countries in the world at coping with unseasonable low temperatures".

Often fatal illnesses develop two or three days after a cold snap has finished Sian Griffiths, Faculty of Public Health

She added: "Although the government has shown commitment to tacking the problem, it has not given sufficient priority to such an important public health issue and its approach remains far too uncoordinated."

Ms Griffiths warned that as many as 50,000 people will die in the UK over the winter if the cold weather continues, putting "a huge strain" on the NHS.

"Often fatal illnesses develop two or three days after a cold snap has finished," she said.

Dr Richard Lewis, Welsh secretary of the British Medical Association, added that people should concentrate on heating the rooms that are used most often.

"It is important neighbours and relatives of vulnerable people recognise the risks and do something about it," he said.

HAVE YOUR SAY The UK's inability to cope with a bit of cool weather just seems pathetic Nick, Moscow, Russia Send us your comments

It has been estimated that, across the UK, there are an extra 8,000 deaths for every one degree Celsius that the temperature drops below the winter average.

Three million households in the UK are thought to be living with fuel poverty, which means that they have to spend more than 10% of the household income on heating.

The Faculty of Public Health sets and maintains professional standards in public health.

It is encouraging people to make sure doors and windows are shut properly and that the house is insulated.