During a heatwave, many high-risk patients struggle to stay hydrated.
The NHS could be forced to declare a “National Emergency” if the UK has a record-breaking heatwave this week.
According to the Met Office, outside temperatures could hit a record-breaking 43°C next Sunday, but hospitals and care homes are likely to be much hotter.
A “Level 4” heatwave is deemed a national emergency by the NHS and is when a heatwave is so severe or prolonged that it could result in illness or death of fit and healthy people. It can be triggered when the integrity of health and social care systems is threatened.
Demand for NHS services usually skyrockets during a heatwave as many high-risk patients struggle to stay hydrated.
Protecting high-risk patients.
NHS England has already said there is a 90% probability of the Level 3 heat-health alert criteria being met in the coming days.
The NHS heatwave plan outlines actions health and social care providers must take to protect high-risk patients.
According to the document this includes, those over 75, female, living on their own and isolated, severe physical or mental illness; urban areas, south‑facing top flat; alcohol and/or drug dependency, homeless, babies and young children, multiple medications and over-exertion.
Hospitals and care, residential and nursing homes are being advised to provide cool areas and monitor indoor temperatures to reduce the risk of heat-related illness and death in the most vulnerable populations.
GPs, district nurses and social workers are being told to identify vulnerable patients.
Health visitors and school nurses are being asked to work to educate parents, childcare providers and schools about the risks and provide support.
Keep hydrated and find shade.
Staff are encouraged to request their employers implement their Heatwave Policy and raise concerns early especially as many hospitals still have a ban on fans and drinking at the nurses’ station.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UK Health Security Agency (UKSHA), said: “Heat-health alerts have now been issued to the majority of the country, with temperatures set to remain consistently high throughout the duration of next week.
Most of us can enjoy the hot weather when it arrives, but it is important to keep yourself hydrated and to find shade where possible when UV rays are strongest, between 11am and 3pm.
If you have vulnerable family, friends and neighbours, make sure they are aware of how they can keep themselves protected from the warm weather.
