England's health secretary has urged the National Health Service (NHS) to plan for summer heatwaves with the same level of preparedness it applies to winter pressures. The call comes as the health service experiences a surge in patients linked to high temperatures, alongside equipment and IT system issues.
Speaking about recent heatwaves, the health secretary noted that A&E departments have seen a significant increase in patients admitted due to heat-related conditions, a trend typically observed during winter months. "The NHS has to make sure we are preparing for summer pressures now in the same way we prepare for winter," the health secretary stated.
This preparedness involves ensuring robust plans are in place to manage higher numbers of vulnerable individuals presenting at A&E. It also requires efficient arrangements for swift patient discharge from hospitals. "But it also needs much stronger prevention," the health secretary added, highlighting that the elderly and vulnerable are most at risk during heatwaves.
Beyond the immediate risks of dehydration and heatstroke, extreme heat can exacerbate existing chronic conditions such as advanced heart, kidney, and respiratory failure. Hospitals have also reported operational challenges, including difficulties with essential equipment and IT infrastructure, particularly at older facilities.
Preliminary assessments indicate a substantial impact from recent heatwaves. The UK Health Security Agency reported an estimated 2,877 heat-related deaths during the May and June heatwaves. This figure is nearly double the total recorded for the entirety of the previous year. The agency projects that 2026 could see the highest number of heat-associated deaths on record, potentially surpassing the 2022 figures, when the agency began its systematic study of these events.