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UK Health Services Urged to Prep for Climate Crises
4 Aug
Summary
- Health services need surge plans for respiratory and cardiovascular issues.
- Amber heat health alerts issued across East of England with high temperatures.
- Academics urge proactive preparation for heatwaves and wildfires.
Health services across the UK must adopt a "preparing in advance rather than reacting" approach to climate-related events such as heatwaves and wildfires. This call comes as firefighters continue to battle significant blazes in the East of England.
Environment epidemiologist Kim van Daalen from the University of Cambridge emphasized the critical need for health services to implement clear surge plans. These plans should address potential increases in respiratory, cardiovascular, kidney, and mental health problems exacerbated by extreme weather.
Health secretary Yvette Cooper assured that preparations for summer pressures are being enhanced, mirroring the NHS's established approach to winter challenges. Amber heat health alerts are currently in effect across the East of England, with temperatures expected to reach up to 31C in some areas.
Van Daalen highlighted the importance of heeding these heat-health alerts, which provide crucial lead time for individuals and health and social services to prepare before a heatwave becomes severe.
