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Record Temperatures Strain England's A&Es
13 Aug
Summary
- Over 2.4 million patients attended A&Es monthly for three months.
- Extreme heat caused dehydration and heatstroke, worsening conditions.
- Staff reported inhumane working conditions due to high temperatures.
England's Accident and Emergency departments have endured their busiest period ever, with recent heatwaves significantly contributing to the crisis. Monthly attendance figures for May, June, and July each surpassed 2.4 million patients, representing the highest totals ever recorded.
The extreme heat has directly led to an increase in patients suffering from dehydration and heatstroke. Furthermore, it has exacerbated existing health issues for individuals with heart, kidney, and respiratory conditions, placing immense strain on emergency services.
This period of intense pressure has been described as comparable to winter months. Unions have raised concerns about staff working in "inhumane conditions" due to the heat, with reports of some collapsing. Compounding these challenges, vital equipment, including scanners and IT systems, has experienced breakdowns.
NHS medical director Prof Frankie Swords acknowledged the challenging circumstances while commending the "outstanding professionalism" of the staff. She advised the public to take precautions during peak heat, emphasizing hydration, avoiding the sun, and checking on vulnerable individuals.
