NHS must plan for heatwaves like it does for winter, health secretary says

The NHS must prepare for the effects of heatwaves each year in the same way that it plans for cold weather in the winter, the health secretary has said.

Yvette Cooper said there had been a "big increase" in people attending A&Es because of the effect of hot weather this summer. Meanwhile, some hospitals have reported disruption due to key equipment failing in the heat.

In an interview with LBC Radio, Cooper called on people to look out for the elderly and other vulnerable people as well as urging better planning by the NHS.

The UK registered its 34th day of temperatures reaching 30C (86F) or higher in a calendar year on Tuesday, equalling the record set in 1995.

Forecasts suggest that this record is likely to be beaten as early as next week, with some suggesting the potential for a sixth heatwave to develop. Yellow heat warnings are already in place in some areas.

Every year the NHS sets out detailed plans for winter, including measures to cope with increases in patients.

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Speaking about the recent heatwaves, England's health secretary, who also gave an interview to the Guardian newspaper on the topic, said: "I spoke to A&E staff who were telling me that they've had a big increase in patients coming into A&E linked to the heat in a way that you would normally only see in the winter.