GP practices in the UK have been advised by the Royal College of GPs (RCGP) to consider closing or relocating if indoor temperatures reach 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) to ensure the safety of doctors and patients during heatwaves. This guidance comes as the UK experiences its fourth spell of hot weather, with temperatures reaching 34C on Wednesday and expected to climb again next week.
The RCGP's guidelines recommend frequent temperature checks within clinics, aiming for comfort levels below 26C. High indoor temperatures can lead to staff dehydration, stress, and an increased risk of errors, while vulnerable patients face heightened risks of dehydration, stroke, and organ failure. The college also advises practices to implement measures to keep premises cool, fast-track high-risk patients for same-day appointments, and consider earlier operating hours to avoid the hottest parts of the day.
This advice follows a survey by the Doctors' Association UK, which found that 83% of NHS staff described their workplaces as 'very' or 'dangerously hot,' prompting calls for a maximum legal working temperature in GP surgeries. Earlier this month, surgeons reported having to halt operations due to heat-related conditions such as dehydration and dizziness. Dr. Tim Lane, president of the Royal College of Surgeons, stated that many hospitals are ill-equipped for the increasingly hot summers experienced in Britain.
The extreme weather has also impacted essential medical services. The cancellation of blood tests has occurred due to the heat's effect on sample integrity, with guidance noting that GP surgeries face difficulties maintaining the required 25C for safe blood sample storage, especially with restrictions on air conditioning use. The National Health Service (NHS) is reportedly facing a significant summer strain, with record A&E attendances in June.
Figures reveal a concerning rise in heat-related fatalities. In May and June of this year, there have been 2,877 heat-related deaths recorded in Britain, nearly double the total of 1,504 for the entire summer period last year. Dr. Ross Thompson, Principal Environmental Public Health Scientist at UKHSA, highlighted the severe danger of hot weather to public health. Health Secretary Yvette Cooper acknowledged the serious impact of the heatwave on people's health and the NHS, noting a shift from the traditional focus on winter pressures to addressing the growing challenges posed by summer heat.
Concurrent with these advisories, patients continue to report difficulties accessing GP appointments. Approximately one-third of all GP appointments are conducted over the phone, and a recent poll indicated that one in three elderly patients were required to fill out online forms, deterring many from booking. Some patients have reported waiting months for appointments, leading to health deterioration.