Heatwaves Leave English Hospital Wards Unsafe, Data Reveals Temperatures Above Safe Limits

Source Summary

Data from 33 NHS trusts show ward temperatures in July exceeded the 28C limit set by NHS England. The Northern Care Alliance NHS foundation trust recorded 41.8C in Greater Manchester hospitals, 14C above the recommended safe maximum. Surgeries have been cancelled due to cooling unit failures in operating theatres. Patients are also cancelling procedures due to heat, prompting hospitals to offer appointments at cooler times of day. Ambulance services face challenges maintaining medication temperatures and have relaxed dress codes to help crews stay cooler.