QA Hospital issues advice on how to stay safe as heatwave continues with services stretched

With temperatures set to remain in the high 20s for another week, an NHS Trust has issued advice to help stay cool as its services remain under pressure.

Portsmouth Hospitals University Trust (PHU), which runs Queen Alexandra Hospital in Cosham, has warned how extreme heat can affect anyone but is most dangerous to vulnerable people such as babies, young children and the elderly.

The current heatwave, along with the one at the end of June, has led to an increase in demand for health services across the region with major incidents declared as critical infrastructure failed. A critical incident was declared at QA on June 24 after chiller units failed in the extreme conditions while a senior doctor said Southampton General was “very close to collapse”.

While no critical incidents have been declared at QA in the current heatwave, PHU have issued advise and guidance to help people stay safe.

Sara Courtney, deputy chief nurse for Isle of Wight NHS Trust and Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust said: “Extreme heat can affect anyone, but it poses a greater risk to older people, babies and young children, pregnant women, and people living with long-term health conditions such as heart disease, respiratory illness or diabetes.

“High temperatures can increase the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke, and can also worsen existing health conditions.

“We encourage everyone to take simple steps to protect themselves and others – drink plenty of water, keep your home as cool as possible, wear sunscreen and loose-fitting clothing, limit alcohol intake, and check in on relatives, friends and neighbours who may be more vulnerable. By taking these precautions, we can all help to stay safe and reduce pressure on health and care services during this spell of hot weather.”

The increased demand in health services due to the extreme heat, has compounded issues with the services already stretched. During June, PHU had 89 people being given corridor care, an increase of four people a day from May. This means the patients were accommodated in an area not counted as a “clinically appropriate and safe setting” for more than 45 minutes.

In order for the hospital to prioritise patients in most need, PHU are asking people to only attend the Emergency Department if it is life-threatening.

Juliet Pearce, director of nursing at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust said: “While we are not in a critical incident anymore, our services remain extremely busy coping with the impact of the critical incident and the impact that severe heat has had on our communities.

“We’re asking you to please help us by choosing wisely where you access your care. If you’re unsure about where to go, you can use 111 online or call 111 and there are lots of services available to help you. Please help us keep the Emergency Department for life critical and emergencies.

“Please also be kind to our staff, they’re working really hard in very challenging circumstances to help you, so please be kind and considerate.”

As well as drink lots of fluids and stay out of the sun, the director of nursing had one piece of advice to help stay cool that may be a surprise.

She said: “One thing you can do during the day when there is a maximum amount of heat, is keep your windows closed. It sounds counter-intuitive but it really helps to keep the hot air out. Keep your curtains and blinds closed. Then in the evening when it cools down you can open the windows and get some nice fresh air through.”