Vol. 399 No. 7
19 Mr. G. O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if he will prepare an information and awareness campaign aimed at protecting elderly people from the effects of hypothermia next winter; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The most effective way of addressing hypothermia among the elderly population is by way of an integrated approach involving the statutory and non-statutory sectors. This particular strategy involves a widely based education programme, effective local services and various supplementary fuel and financial schemes.
Health professionals, as part of their regular contact with the elderly are trained to identify those at risk from hypothermia and to provide treatment and back-up services where necessary. They also give advice on the various schemes that are available to pensioners.
Advice on how to avoid hypothermia and information on schemes which provide entitlement to free fuel during the winter months are also available from various other sources, including the Departments of Health, Social Welfare and the Environment, health boards, local authorities and the other statutory and non-statutory agencies.
It is a feature of the co-ordinated strategy of the various agencies I have referred to that during the winter months hypothermia is given high priority. I am satisfied that this broadly based strategy is the most effective approach.
