Cold weather warning calls tested

Weather changes can exacerbate lung conditions

Telephone forecasts will warn vulnerable people in Bradford when cold weather is expected in a pilot scheme which aims to cut hospital admissions.

Health chiefs said the forecasting phone calls, which will also be delivered in Urdu, would help the 5,000 participants stay healthy in winter.

The city has one of the highest rates of people admitted to hospital with respiratory disease in the country.

Those taking part will also receive thermometers and advice.

Bradford and Airedale Teaching PCT said it was one of the first PCTs in the country to work with the Met Office on the new system.

The system has already been piloted in Cornwall.

Shirley Brierley, public health consultant for the PCT, said the new system would "substantially reduce the number of hospital visits these vulnerable people have to make this winter".