Hundreds suffer ice slip injuries

The snowy and icy conditions have seen an increase in fall injuries

Hundreds of people have been treated in hospitals in Northern Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire after slipping and sliding in icy conditions.

Over three days 445 people were treated at Grimsby's Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital, Scunthorpe General Hospital and Goole and District Hospital.

About 60 people were admitted to hospital for further treatment. Staff said older people were vulnerable.

More than 150 patients were advised to return for continuing treatment.

Jane Partridge, director of nursing and patient services, said: "We are experiencing a large increase in the number of people seeking help after injuring themselves on the slippery conditions.

"We are urging people to take extra care when out and about.

'Essential journeys'

"People - especially older people - should take extra care to avoid slips and falls and drivers should be aware vehicles might take longer to stop than normal.

"Older people and those with health conditions should stay inside it at all possible and only make essential journeys."

Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust said crews were dealing with increasing numbers of ice-related incidents.

Keith Prior, director of A&E operations, said: "The service is receiving many 999 calls for weather-related incidents and we are treating a lot of patients with injuries caused by slips, trips and falls.

"The weather continues to cause hazardous driving conditions for our ambulance crews but we are making every effort to get to patients as quickly, and as safely, as possible."