Feeling Hot Hot Hospitalised

Climate change could see cases of heat and sunstroke become more frequent in the UK

HUNDREDS of people across England and Wales were admitted to hospital with heat or sunstroke last summer. Despite cooler temperatures in recent months, hotter summers are getting more common across the UK as climate change causes increasingly extreme weather.

The Met Office recently revealed 2020 was in the top 10 for rainfall, temperature and sunshine levels the first time a year has seen such high levels for all three.

And all of the top 10 warmest years across the country have happened since 2002.

As the Met Office predicts climate change will bring hotter and drier summers to the UK, it is likely that people will be at higher risk of potentially serious heatrelated health problems.

There were 203 hospital admission episodes linked to heat or sunstroke last summer, NHS figures show.

The data covers from April to August, and counts when heatstroke or sunstroke were the main or secondary cause of a patient’s admission to hospital.

Of the admissions, there were 136 for which one of the two conditions was the main reason for someone being admitted.

Overall, there were slightly fewer admission episodes last summer compared to the same period in 2019, when 218 were recorded.

And there were 276 admission episodes logged over the period in 2018, when the UK experienced a major heatwave.

That year, the average temperature between June and August was 15.8C - the jointhighest on record for the three months along with 2006.

But the figure for heat-related admissions last summer was still higher than 2017, when 158 were recorded.

June last year saw the most admissions over the summer (73), while during the previous three years the busiest months were either June or July.

The UK could see warmer temperatures in the coming days after a rainy summer, according to forecasts.

The Met Office said the last week in August and into September is “likely to be dominated by high pressure resulting in fine and settled weather across the UK”.

Its longer-range forecast for early to mid-September said temperatures are likely to be above average for the time of year, though conditions could be changeable.

Deputy chief nurse for NHS England, Hilary Garratt, said: “It is really important to take simple precautions including drinking plenty of water, using high-factor sunscreen and remembering to take allergy medication if required.

“And if you do need help, join the hundreds of thousands of people getting fast and free advice on the best course of action through 111 online.”

A Public Health Wales spokesperson said: “There are things that everyone should think about when we have periods of extreme heat. Stay out of the heat if you can.

“Try to stay indoors, especially between midday and 3pm when the sun is at its hottest.

“Avoid strenuous outdoor activities such as sport, DIY or gardening. If this is not possible, then try to do these activities during cooler parts of the day.”