The NHS has been warned to prepare for potential annual summer crises caused by extreme heat, with pressures comparable to those experienced in winter. This comes as heatwaves, attributed to the climate crisis, are becoming routine in the UK.
Health Secretary Yvette Cooper stated that NHS staff are currently facing A&E pressures that would normally be expected only during flu season. She added that the government intends to use significant investment in NHS infrastructure to enhance the health service's ability to cope with high summer temperatures.
Doctors and medical professionals have highlighted the impact of repeated heatwaves on the NHS in England. Issues reported include radiotherapy machines and MRI scanners failing, wards overheating, and hospital cooling units breaking down. The Royal College of GPs has also advised cancelling surgeries in extreme weather.
England is projected to record its highest number of heat-related deaths this summer, with an estimated 2,877 fatalities during the May and June heatwaves. Ms Cooper noted that rising global temperatures are creating new challenges for the NHS.
Ms Cooper and Chief Medical Officer Sir Chris Whitty have discussed a public health awareness campaign. This campaign would aim to inform people about looking out for elderly relatives and those with young babies during hot weather.