‘Dangerously hostile’: heatwaves leave hospital wards unsafe, data reveals
Summary
Hospitals in England experienced dangerously high temperatures this summer, sometimes reaching nearly 42°C (107.6°F), which led to surgery cancellations as cooling systems failed. These extreme heat levels made hospital wards unsafe for patients and staff, prompting calls for better cooling and upgrades to healthcare buildings.Key Facts
- Temperatures in some hospitals reached 41.8°C during a heatwave, 14°C above the recommended safe maximum.
- Average ward temperatures in July were 31.9°C, exceeding the advised limit of 28°C for staff and patient safety.
- Cooling units in operating theatres often failed due to the heat, causing some surgeries to be canceled or rescheduled.
- Some patients chose to cancel surgeries themselves because travel in extreme heat was unsafe.
- NHS services adjusted appointment times for vulnerable patients to cooler parts of the day.
- Ambulance crews faced difficulties keeping medications cool and relaxed dress codes to stay comfortable.
- Several NHS trusts rented hundreds of air conditioning units to manage the heat.
- Experts warn that many NHS buildings are old and poorly equipped to handle heatwaves, calling for urgent investment and upgrades.
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