THE scandal of hypothermia among the elderly is becoming a more everyday occurrence.

More and more pensioners are presenting themselves in a semi-comatose state at Bolton's accident and emergency unit because they're -- quite simply -- cold.

Whilst applauding the Government's cold weather payments, Dr Arup Banerjee, consultant in elderly medicine with Bolton Hospitals Trust and a former president of the British Geriatrics Society, believes responsibility also lies with us -- the people of Bolton.

"It is a scandal that in this day and age more and more elderly people re being admitted through A and E suffering from hypothermia.

"In many cases if someone had checked on that person, had made sure their home was adequately heated, then these situations would not have arisen."

The predictions from forecasters suggest this winter will be severe and hospitals are gearing themselves up to cope with a rise in emergency admissions, the vast majority involving the old.

Now, in a bid to protect Bolton's pensioners, health professionals, social services and Age Concern are throwing their weight behind the "Be A Good Neighbour" campaign, to encourage contact between older people and their neighbours.

Posters and cards encouraging people to let elderly neighbours know they're on the doorstep will be displayed on medical and elderly wards at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

Bolton Community Trust will be displaying cards in health centres across the borough and health visitors will be passing on cards during routine visits.

"We're not asking people to put themselves out but simply to make contact with an elderly neighbour," said Joan Bradley, senior health promotion manager.

"It's all about saying 'Hello' and offering to pick up prescriptions, a pint of milk or a bit of shopping when the conditions out of doors are particularly poor."

The campaign is linked in with the United Nations Year of Older People which sets out what the elderly have a right to expect in the way of support, care and lifestyle.

It reinforces the message that the elderly should have the right to live in dignity and security and be free of exploitation and physical or mental abuse. Such principles lie at the heart of this year's campaign and are included in a range of free leaflets published by Age Concern.

"Keep Warm, Keep Well" is the charity's annual drive to encourage older people to take responsibility for their own health by living as healthy and sensibly as possible.

As well as advice on keeping yourself warm by eating well, keeping active, dressing warmly and staying warm, there is practical advice about how to make your home warmer and keep it warmer.

Advice on the grants available to the elderly for such home improvements is included, as well as details of benefits you are entitled to to keep yourself warm.

Bolton Age Concern can be contacted on Bolton 382411.

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