The NHS could face mounting pressure from climate-related health crises unless the government's upcoming 10-year health plan addresses environmental challenges head-on, according to a stark warning from The King's Fund. The influential health think tank argues that rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and changing disease patterns are already creating new pressures on our health service—pressures that will only intensify without proper planning.
The report highlights how extreme weather events, such as heatwaves and flooding, directly impact both health outcomes and the NHS's ability to deliver care. During heatwaves, for instance, emergency admissions typically surge, particularly among older adults and people with heart or lung conditions. Meanwhile, flooding can force hospital evacuations and disrupt essential services. These events don't affect everyone equally—vulnerable groups, including elderly people and those with existing health conditions, face disproportionately higher risks, potentially widening health inequalities across England.
The King's Fund outlines several key areas where action is needed. First, they call for a comprehensive strategy to make the NHS carbon neutral, covering everything from hospital energy use to medical supply chains. The health service currently accounts for around 4% of England's carbon footprint—a significant contribution that needs addressing. Second, they emphasise building community resilience, ensuring local health and care systems can cope when extreme weather strikes. This includes preparing for emerging health threats, such as tick-borne diseases that may spread as temperatures rise, and supporting people experiencing climate-related anxiety.
Crucially, the report stresses that tackling these challenges requires coordination across government departments. Housing quality affects how well people cope with extreme temperatures, transport systems influence air quality, and environmental policies directly impact public health. The King's Fund argues for a 'whole-system' approach, bringing together health, housing, transport, and environmental departments alongside local authorities.
Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting welcomed the report's findings, stating: "The King's Fund is absolutely right. Labour has long highlighted the urgent need for the NHS to be both resilient to and a leader in tackling the climate crisis. Any credible long-term plan for our health service must put environmental sustainability and climate preparedness at its core, protecting both public health and the future of the NHS."
For patients and families, a climate-prepared NHS would mean more reliable services during extreme weather, better protection against environment-related health risks, and a more sustainable health system for future generations. However, failing to plan ahead could result in more frequent service disruptions, increased health problems, and ultimately higher costs for both the NHS and taxpayers.
Source: The King's Fund