Heatwaves drive A&E attendances up to record high
Summary
England's emergency rooms (A&Es) are seeing more patients than ever during the hot summer months. The extreme heat has caused health problems like dehydration and heatstroke, putting extra stress on hospital staff and equipment.Key Facts
- Over 2.4 million patients went to emergency departments each month in May, June, and July, setting record highs.
- Heat-related illnesses increased, affecting people with heart, kidney, and breathing problems.
- NHS staff have reported working in very hot conditions, with some collapsing or having seizures.
- Equipment and IT systems have broken down, making patient care harder.
- Nurses have said buildings are too hot, causing problems with medication storage and their own health.
- Nursing leaders called current working conditions "inhumane" and said hospitals need better cooling and care plans for heat.
- Health officials urge people to stay hydrated and avoid sun during the hottest parts of the day.
- The NHS is encouraged to prepare for summer heat pressures similarly to how it prepares for winter.
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