London Hospitals brace as blazing temperatures bounce back
- Heatwave drives three-year high in A&E, as Wimbledon also has an impact
- AI helps identify vulnerable patients to rearrange appointments
- Hospital charities fund ice-cream van to help NHS workers stay cool
Hospitals in London and Surrey are bracing for another blistering heatwave as the warm weather, World Cup and Wimbledon conspire to make more people at risk of falling ill.
Record numbers of patients sought help at St George’s Hospital in Tooting last week following June’s heatwave, with the nearby tennis tournament also having an impact.
As temperatures rise, the Trust continues to work with the All England Lawn Tennis Club to keep sports fans safe in the heat, whether they need support on-site or require hospital treatment.
Last Monday (29 June), St George’s had the highest number of people attending its Emergency Department in over three years – as patients suffered with dehydration and Acute Kidney Injury, which particularly affects older and more vulnerable people.
Epsom and St Helier hospitals also saw more people attending their Emergency Departments during the heatwave, driving their busiest weekend since last winter (27-28 June).
During last month’s heatwave, St George’s used AI to assist them in identifying and contacting more than 2,000 vulnerable patients, offering to reschedule or arrange virtual appointments – and will be doing the same this week to help patients avoid unnecessary travel.
Patients with appointments at Epsom and St Helier will also be contacted if they are deemed at-risk.
Ageing hospital buildings weren’t designed for extreme temperatures, so dedicated NHS teams are doing everything they can to keep people safe and comfortable, such as providing extra drinking water and prioritising air-con for the sickest patients.
Nicola Shopland, Site Chief Nurse at St George’s, said: “The heat can make people seriously unwell and puts extra pressure on our already busy hospitals.
“We’ll look after you if you need us, but everyone can help us by staying hydrated and safely enjoying the warm weather, World Cup and Wimbledon.”
This week, the hospitals’ charities have generously funded an ice-cream van which is visiting sites across St George’s Hospital, Epsom Hospital, St Helier Hospital in Carshalton and Queen Mary’s in Roehampton, to help hard-working NHS teams stay cool.
Epsom and St Helier Hospitals Charity has teamed up with St George’s Hospital Charity to fund the van as part of the ‘BIG thank you’ – a week-long celebration to recognise and thank colleagues for their dedication and compassion.
People can keep themselves and others safe by:
- Spending time in the shade, especially between 11am and 3pm
- Wearing a hat, sunglasses and loose, light clothing
- Using sunscreen SPF 30 or higher and reapplying regularly
- Drinking plenty of fluids regularly – don’t wait until you feel thirsty
- Choosing water or diluted drinks and avoiding too much alcohol or caffeine
- Looking out for others around you, especially those who may be more vulnerable
If you do need medical help that is not an emergency, please use NHS 111 online so you can get the right help quickly: https://111.nhs.uk/
For minor illnesses or injuries, your local pharmacy can offer expert advice, and in some cases can offer treatment without you needing to see a GP.
For serious or life-threatening emergencies, call 999.
