Heatwave advice issued following yellow heat-health alert  | News centre

The NHS in Surrey is reminding the public in ways which they can keep themselves safe after UKHSA and the Met office issued a yellow heat health alert for the region earlier today, Tuesday 8 July.

The yellow heat health alert is in effect from 10am on 9 July until 10am on 15 July across the South East with the Met office predicting temperatures will hit 30 degrees on Saturday.

A yellow alert indicates that weather conditions may affect vulnerable people, while an amber alert warns that conditions could impact the wider population, putting pressure on health services.

Professor Andrew Rhodes, Joint Chief Medical Officer at NHS Surrey Heartlands, said: 

For many people the news of exceptionally warm weather is welcome but for others, particularly those who are vulnerable, existing health conditions can be exacerbated.

Older people, those with medical conditions, babies and young children need to take extra care.

Taking steps to stay cool is really important and if you do have a friend or relative who may struggle in this heat please do check in on them.

 

There are many ways in which you can keep yourself and others safe during periods of hot weather:

• Keeping your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun,
• If you do go outside, cover up with suitable clothing, such as an appropriate hat and sunglasses, and seek shade and apply sunscreen regularly.
• Keeping out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm.
• If you are going to do a physical activity plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler, such as the morning or evening.
• Knowing the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and what to do if you or someone else has them. 
   

Professor Rhodes, continued:

I also want to remind the public that during times of hot weather our NHS services can experience an increase in demand, so please remember to utilise the appropriate service so those who do need urgent care can be seen as quickly as possible.

 

If people do feel unwell in the hot weather the local NHS is here for them – and there are a range of services available to help including:

• Pharmacies - a good place to start for health advice and over-the-counter medicines.
• GP practices can also help if you need advice or think you may need to see a doctor.
• NHS 111 online helps link you up with the service you need (for children under 5 years please call 111 instead) – and NHS 111 by phone 24/7 where a health advisor can help you get the care you need in the right place.
• Walk-in centres and urgent treatment centres can also help – see our website for details.
• Remember 999 and A&E are for critically ill people so always call or go to A&E straight away if it is a life-threatening situation.

More information to help you stay safe during hot weather is available online.

Summer wellness