NHS Surrey and Sussex shares heatwave advice as amber and red heat-health alerts issued | News centre

NHS Surrey and Sussex shares heatwave advice as amber and red heat-health alerts issued

The NHS is reminding people in Surrey and Sussex of the steps they can take to stay safe after the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office have issued heat-health alerts for the region.

An amber heat-health alert is in effect until 11.59pm on Thursday 25 June across the South East, and a new red heat-health alert has now been issued for Wednesday and Thursday which affects Surrey and parts of Sussex. The Met Office is forecasting that temperatures are set to climb as high as 38 degrees in the latter part of the week.

“Professor Andrew Rhodes, Joint Chief Medical Officer at NHS Surrey and Sussex, said:

““Hot weather can pose serious health risks, especially for older people, babies and young children, and those living with long-term health conditions. During periods of prolonged high temperatures, there can be an increase in heat-related illness and additional pressure on health and care services.

“We encourage everyone to take sensible precautions to stay well in the heat and to look out for people who may be more vulnerable. Simple measures such as drinking plenty of fluids, keeping cool indoors and avoiding the midday sun can make a real difference.”

UKHSA warns that severe impacts are expected across health and social care services due to the high temperatures, including:

• increased risk to life across the whole population, with significant impacts on older people
• significantly increased demand on all health and social care services
• the heat affecting the ability of the workforce to deliver services
• hot indoor environments making provision of care challenging and national critical infrastructure failures, such as generators and power outages
• water‑related incidents may increase, including risks from cold‑water shock and drowning

 

There are a number of ways you can help keep yourself and others safe during hot weather:

• keep your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun
• if you do go outside, wear suitable clothing, including a hat and sunglasses where appropriate, seek shade and apply sunscreen regularly
• avoid being in the sun during the hottest part of the day, between 11am and 3pm
• if you are planning physical activity, try to do it during cooler parts of the day, such as the morning or evening
• know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, and what to do if you or someone else experiences them.

 

If people do feel unwell during the hot weather, the local NHS is here to help, with a range of services available, including:

• Pharmacies - a good first point of contact for health advice and over-the-counter medicines
• GP practices - if you need medical advice or think you may need to see a doctor
• NHS 111 online at www.111.nhs.uk, which can help direct you to the most appropriate service (for children under five years old, please call 111 instead)
• NHS 111 by phone, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, where trained advisers can help you get the care you need in the right place
• Walk-in centres and urgent treatment centres - visit www.nhs.uk for details

 

Remember that 999 and A&E services are for life-threatening emergencies. Always call 999 or attend A&E immediately if someone is seriously ill or injured and their life may be at risk.

More information about staying safe in hot weather is available online. Visit the UK Health Security Agency and NHS websites, including guidance on how to beat the heat and information about heat exhaustion and heatstroke.