NHS must adapt to work better in heatwaves | Letters
The article discusses the need for the NHS (National Health Service) to adapt and prepare for the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves due to climate change. The key points are: - Extreme temperatures are becoming more common, leading to a rise in heat-related health issues and excess deaths. During the summer of 2022, there were 3,271 excess deaths in England and Wales, with the recent heatwave alone expected to cost hundreds of lives. - Demand for healthcare will increase as a result of these extreme weather events, but the NHS infrastructure is ill-equipped to handle the situation, with around 90% of hospitals in England at risk of overheating. - The article emphasizes that investment in infrastructure and preparedness is no longer optional, and the NHS must adapt to work more effectively during heatwaves to ensure it can continue to provide safe and effective care for patients.
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