NHS must adapt to work better in heatwaves
Demand for healthcare will rise as a result of extreme temperatures. It is not only people's health at risk, but our ability to care for patients too. About 90% of hospitals in England alone are at risk of overheating, making it harder to keep services running safely. We need to get serious about adapting the NHS to cope with changing conditions.
The climate crisis is a health crisis. Preventing disruption in the NHS, by investing in building upgrades, workforce preparedness and adequate resilience planning, is no longer optional – it is essential, so the NHS can continue to provide healthcare when needed.Dr Mark HarberSpecial adviser on healthcare sustainability and climate change, Royal College of Physicians
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