A THIRD of patients attending Poole hospital’s emergency department have been treated for injuries or symptoms likely to have been caused by the cold weather, including broken bones and chest problems.

Steve Frost, matron for emergency services, said: “We have seen a large number of people over the last week with fractures and other injuries caused by slips and falls in the bad weather.

“We urge people to take extra care and stay indoors, where possible, when conditions are very icy.

“Please remember that the emergency department is only for real emergencies.

“People with minor illnesses or injuries should ring their GP surgery or NHS Direct for advice.”

The number of emergency admissions has risen at Bournemouth hospital during the past fortnight to 1,990, compared with 1,681 during the corresponding period the previous year.

Cathy Lakin, senior nurse for emergency care, said: “We are seeing an increased number of patients due to the cold weather with injuries primarily related to falls such as wrist and ankle fractures.

“We advise people to take extra care when going out in icy conditions and, where possible, stay at home, only travelling if essential.”

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents is warning of the dangers of frozen lakes in a bid to prevent needless deaths during the cold spell.

Peter Cornall, RoSPA’s head of leisure safety, said children and dog walkers were at most risk.

He added: “Ice related drownings are entirely and easily preventable. Be very careful around the edges of lakes because snow can obscure them, keep your dog on a lead and avoid throwing sticks or balls on to the ice for dogs to recover.

“Although frozen water can look tempting there’s simply no way of knowing whether it will hold your weight and by the time you find out it’s often too late.

“Children are among those most at risk because frozen lakes present natural ice skating opportunities.

“So, with many children off school, we are encouraging parents to talk to them about the hazards of frozen water when playing outside.”