Responding to analysis by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) which shows deaths from extreme heat are due to hit record levels this year, Executive Director of RCN England Patricia Marquis, said:

“These figures are shocking and reveal the devastating consequences of climate change. Extreme heat puts incredible pressure on services, causing severe illness among the vulnerable, older people and even those without pre-existing conditions. Nursing staff are at the sharp end, doing their best to care for people, while being forced to work in an NHS estate which is often totally unable to handle extreme temperatures. This includes a lack of effective air conditioning with workplace temperatures rising above 30 degrees Celsius in places.

“Climate change is a public health emergency that is getting worse in front of our eyes. It requires urgent action from governments, including to improve NHS and care facilities so that they are safe to work and be cared for in. Nursing, the health system and the public all need to get behind efforts to reduce emissions and live sustainably.” 

ENDS