Health · 6 August 2026

NHS urged to prepare for heatwaves like winter

Health Secretary Yvette Cooper said the NHS must prepare for summer heat pressures the same way it plans for winter. She said hospitals saw a rise in heat linked patients this summer at a scale normally seen only in winter. Government figures estimate 2,700 excess deaths in England and Wales during the May and June heatwaves, when temperatures reached 37C.

By BriefTea Editorial · 6 August 2026 at 15:08

Reported by BBC News · How we write briefs

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Why are heatwaves dangerous? How does the NHS plan? What is 'excess deaths'?

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