Responding to ONS figures showing there have been over 40,000 heat related deaths in England between 1988-2025, RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive Professor Nicola Ranger, said:

“Extreme heat caused by climate change is a public health emergency. It puts incredible pressure on services, causes severe illness among the vulnerable, older people and even those without pre-existing conditions. Today’s figures are a reminder of how urgently we need the government to play its role in not just tackling climate change but upgrading and adapting health and care facilities.

“The reality is that these new figures don’t even cover this year, when relentless and record-breaking heat resulted in nursing staff collapsing on shift and patients suffering in impossibly hot hospitals and care homes. Without action, the human cost in the future could be even more devastating."

Ends

Notes to editors

ONS -  Climate-related mortality, England and Wales: 1988 to 2025