Worst Dorvik winter in half a century places enormous strain on health services, particularly in the north of the country.
The ongoing Dorvik winter, the worst since 4328, has seen day-time temperatures drop to as low as -31 degrees Celsius and snow drifts up to three metres high. Although the country’s year-round subarctic climate means that public services are usually well prepared, this year’s cold snap has been particularly brutal. Health services have been especially affected; figures released by the Health Department show that there has been a 39% increase in patient admittance during the last two weeks. Furthermore, just 67.4% of Accident and Emergency patients were treated within four hours, far below the 95% stipulated by government ministers.
Some ambulance services have been suspended after a number of vehicles became trapped in snow.
In a statement to the Federal Assembly, Health and Social Care Minister Elias Werner announced:
Extra emergency funding has been released to health care providers to deal with the increased number of patients. Of course, winter is the worst time for illnesses and this is year is proving to be no exception. The government is currently doing everything possible to mitigate the effects of this year’s abnormally low temperatures. We ask that people take care of themselves and only call the emergency services if they feel it is absolutely necessary.
President Holman, a doctor by profession, volunteered his services at Haldor Central Hospital. Speaking briefly to reporters as he entered the hospital, Holman said:
We can all make a difference. I encourage people who can help, to do so.
Given that weather forecasts are predicting no let-up in the adverse conditions, an emergency cabinet meeting will be held later this week to discuss further steps in helping health services.
Health Minister Elias Werner arriving at parliament to give a statement on the 'winter crisis'.