Nhs Must Adapt To Work Better In Heatwaves | Letters

Higher temperatures are becoming much predominant pinch ambiance change, and our patients are paying nan value (‘Profound concern’ arsenic scientists opportunity utmost power ‘now nan norm’ successful UK, 14 July). Increasingly, physicians are seeing much patients whose wellness is affected by utmost heat. During power periods successful nan summertime of 2022, location were 3,271 excess deaths successful England and Wales, and past month’s heatwave unsocial will costs hundreds of lives.

Demand for healthcare will emergence arsenic a consequence of utmost temperatures. It is not only people’s wellness astatine risk, but our expertise to attraction for patients too. About 90% of hospitals successful England unsocial are astatine consequence of overheating, making it harder to support services moving safely. We request to get superior astir adapting nan NHS to header pinch changing conditions.

The ambiance situation is simply a wellness crisis. Preventing disruption successful nan NHS, by investing successful building upgrades, workforce preparedness and capable resilience planning, is nary longer optional – it is essential, truthful nan NHS tin proceed to supply healthcare erstwhile needed.
Dr Mark Harber
Special advisor connected healthcare sustainability and ambiance change, Royal College of Physicians