DIY lovers given NHS warning for Easter break after spike in injuries

The NHS has issued a warning for people carrying out home improvements to take care over the Easter holidays stating that thousands of people get injured in DIY and gardening accidents each year

Brits are being warned to take care while carrying out home improvements over the Easter break after a surge in DIY injuries last year.

Many people are heading off on holiday this Easter to enjoy the sun with temperatures above the average for the time of year, but for some DIY enthusiasts the long weekend break is an ideal time to catch up on some home improvements.

And the NHS has told people to take care with thousands needing hospital treatment each year from DIY or gardening accidents.

The Covid lockdown was also a reason for a spike in the injury rates and now with restrictions removed the NHS has said it remains busy but it is there to help people who may have accidents.

An NHS statement read: “DIY and gardening accidents account for many thousands of hospital admissions every year.

“Which is Why local GPs are urging people tempted to try their hand at DIY over the bank holiday to be careful – and stressed that for those with minor injuries for any condition or accident there are plenty of alternatives to accident and emergency.”

Dr Vasa Gnanapragasam, lead GP for Merton, said: “The NHS remains very busy, but people can continue to get urgent care – GPs are offering more appointments, including evenings and weekends, for people with urgent health needs.

“Accident and Emergency departments often see people with cuts, sprains or other DIY-related problems during bank holiday weekends. Most of these can be treated quickly using NHS 111 online for advice and signposting to the right services.”

A rise by 10% in accidents from power tools and ladders was seen in 2021, reported The Sun.

There were 5,644 people who were admitted to hospital with injuries from power tools last year while another 7,061 admissions were from people falling off ladders.

There is concern over the extra demands on the NHS this Easter with it being described as being as bad as typically in winter and 94% of beds are reported to be full.

The NHS stated: “GP practices will let their patients know how to access urgent medical help between 8am and 8pm, with contact information also available on practice websites.

“People can also visit 111 online or call 111 at any time, where they will be asked some questions about symptoms on the website, or by speaking to a fully trained adviser on the phone.

“Using 999 is for emergencies and should only be called if the situation is life-threatening.

“Please remember that A&E and 999 are for potentially life-threatening emergencies. There is a range of alternative NHS help available over the Bank Holiday.”

It said advice can be given from pharmacists as well as GP services being available over the weekend.