Advice to the public as hot weather and strikes impact NHS services
Members of the public are asked to take steps to stay safe and well as temperatures rise – and a round of junior doctors’ strikes begins tomorrow.
A heat alert issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Met Office is in place until 5pm on Thursday 27 June – hours after the industrial action gets under way at 7am that same day.
St George’s, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group is already seeing high demand in its emergency departments – and typically, it gets busier in the days after a heatwave. Strikes will also impact on NHS services.
While people should continue to go to hospital in an emergency and in life-threatening cases, they should use NHS 111 online when it’s less urgent. This is a 24/7 service that can direct people to the best place for care.
Pharmacists, meanwhile, can advise on a range of conditions, and may also be able to offer treatment and prescription medicines for some things such as earache, shingles, sore throat, and infected insect bites.
Patients should continue to attend any hospital appointments they have, unless they hear otherwise.
Dr Richard Jennings, Group Chief Medical Officer for St George’s, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group, said: “Our hospitals are already very busy, and we can expect to see more people coming to our emergency departments in the coming days because of the hotter weather. As has been the case previously, strikes will also impact our services.
“We’re here for those in need, and when it’s less urgent services such as NHS 111 online or a pharmacy can help – but there are also things you can do to keep yourself and your loved ones safe in the heat.”
The NHS advises that people going out in the sun should wear sun cream and a hat. It’s important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and to stay in the shade where possible during the hottest parts of the day.
Elderly and vulnerable people are more at risk in hotter weather – and friends, family and neighbours are asked to check in and to support them.
People can cool themselves down by having cold food and drinks, avoiding alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks, and having a cool shower. Those who exercise should do so during cooler parts of the day.
Windows, blinds and curtains should be closed during the day and opened at night when the temperature outside has gone down.
There is more information on the NHS website: www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/
The heat alert is already in place and will currently run until 5pm on Thursday 27 June, while the strikes take place from 7am that same day until 7am on Tuesday 2 July.
