London’s NHS treated more than 434,000 people in A&E and responded to almost 134,000 ambulance call-outs in July alone, as the capital sweltered through temperatures of up to 38°C.
New figures published today show that despite the extreme heat pushing demand to some of the highest levels on record, London Ambulance Service crews and hospital staff kept performance steady, with 77.6% of patients admitted, transferred or discharged from A&E within four hours, unchanged from the previous month.
Dr Chris Streather, Regional Medical Director for the NHS in London, said: “July was a continuation of the significant surge in demand we’ve seen since May, with 22,096 more people attending A&E and 10,490 additional ambulance incidents compared to April.
“Despite high demand and uncomfortable working conditions, London’s NHS staff are working tirelessly to ensure that we can be here for everyone who needs care. I would like to express my thanks to each and every one of our staff for their unwavering dedication.
“To ease the strain on staff, we urge Londoners to use services wisely and stay safe in the heat. If you need support, please call NHS 111, and select option 2 for mental health. It’s the quickest way to get the right care, and it helps us protect emergency services for those who need them most. Londoners can also help to reduce pressure on NHS staff by staying hydrated and safely enjoying the warm weather.”
London NHS trusts are working to keep conditions as comfortable as possible for staff, supporting their ability to deliver care for Londoners. Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, for example, has deployed 86 portable air conditioning units to support frontline services, while a new low-carbon heating and cooling system in the Maternity Unit’s Turpin and Templar Wards has delivered positive feedback and fewer temperature-related complaints.
NHS London is urging Londoners to take simple steps to protect themselves and others:
Spend time in the shade, especially between 11am and 3pm
Wear a hat, sunglasses and loose, light clothing
Use sunscreen SPF 30 or higher and reapply regularly
Drink plenty of fluids regularly — don’t wait until you feel thirsty
Avoid too much alcohol or caffeine
Look out for others, especially those who may be more vulnerable
Director of Ambulance Operations Darren Farmer said: “Our crews and 999 call handlers have experienced a summer of sustained hot weather with some of the busiest days in London Ambulance Service’s history.
“Temperatures are still high and when very hot can pose a risk to life. We are urging Londoners to stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day. If you want to consume alcohol, please do so in moderation as it can be harder for the body to recover during high temperatures.
“We remain very busy trying to get to those who need us, so please remember that 999 is there for those that are seriously ill, injured or their life is at risk.”
For non-emergency help, visit NHS 111 online at 111.nhs.uk or call 111. In a life-threatening emergency, always call 999.
