Story Highlight
- Nurses described “suffocating atmospheres” in British hospitals this summer.
- Patients suffered heat-related harm during record-breaking temperatures hitting 44C.
- Many patients experienced dehydration and worsening health conditions.
- RCN calls for increased government investment in hospital cooling systems.
- Health Secretary announced funding for NHS advanced heatwave preparedness.
Full Story
Nurses have expressed deep concern regarding the impact of extreme heat on patient care in British hospitals, following a Royal College of Nursing (RCN) survey that revealed troubling accounts from healthcare staff. As summer temperatures reached unprecedented highs of 44C, nurses reported witnessing patients suffer due to the oppressive heat, with one nurse describing the situation as “horrendous” and noting that some patients were “suffering more from the actual heat than the actual reason they are in hospital.”
The RCN’s survey involved 2,471 nursing staff and highlighted that record-breaking summer heatwaves significantly affected patient care, leading to poorer outcomes and even fatalities. Disturbing accounts included nurses observing patients sweating profusely during chemotherapy and extreme conditions in wards that even caused some nurses to faint. One children’s ward in Yorkshire reportedly reached an alarming 44C.
Another nurse recounted the dire situation of frail patients, stating, “We had two frail patients for whom the extreme heat directly impacted their deaths.” A palliative care nurse highlighted the distressing case of a patient with chronic ulcers who suffered from neglected wounds that attracted maggots, stating, “Some of his and his relatives’ last memories will be knowing of and, in his case feeling, maggots in his wounds.”
Reports have also emerged of paramedics struggling during unbearable shifts due to extreme heat in ambulances, often with faulty or non-existent air conditioning. The survey revealed that 74 per cent of nurses lacked confidence in the government’s efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change on the NHS.
Tim Lane, president of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, addressed the challenges faced in operating theatres due to extreme heat and outdated ventilation systems, calling such conditions intolerable for patients who face cancelled operations, resulting in additional pain and anxiety.
Professor Nicola Ranger, RCN chief executive, warned of the continued dangers posed by climate change, stating that the testimonies collected underscore the pressing need for improved investment in healthcare infrastructure to prepare for climate-related challenges.
In response to the concerns raised by healthcare professionals, a spokesperson from the Department of Health and Social Care remarked on the importance of recent initiatives announced by the Health Secretary to better equip the NHS for future heatwaves. These measures include a significant funding package aimed at improving cooling and ventilation systems in hospitals and forming a new Heat Taskforce to enhance planning for heat-related pressures.
Source: read the original report.
What this means for your site
The recent reports of extreme heat in UK hospitals highlight the urgent need for organisations to address environmental safety in line with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. These regulations mandate that employers ensure the health, safety, and welfare of employees and patients, which includes providing adequate working conditions free from hazards, including extreme temperatures.
A critical measure that could have been implemented differently is the installation of effective cooling systems or air conditioning in hospital wards, which would directly reduce the risk of heat-related health issues among patients and staff. Additionally, risk assessments should include considerations for extreme weather events as part of workplace safety management.
To prevent similar scenarios in the future, healthcare organisations should prioritise the installation of climate control systems in facilities and regularly review guidelines to adapt to changing climate conditions. Staff training on recognising heat-related illnesses can further equip the workforce to respond effectively to emergencies arising from extreme temperatures.
