A significant number of hospitals, nursing homes, and care homes in England are located in areas that are predicted to be at high risk from hotter summers by the 2050s, especially in London, according to research by the Financial Times. The study suggests that nearly three-quarters of healthcare facilities in London will be situated in high or acute levels of heat “disadvantage” by the middle of this century. Global warming will result in around 5,000 out of the 14,531 healthcare facilities being at risk. The vulnerability of each region was assessed by considering factors such as age, health, and income levels of the local population, as well as the expected impact of global warming. Factors that contribute to London’s increased risk include higher rates of homelessness, an urban environment that retains more heat, and its location in the south-east of England. The elderly, ill, and young are most sensitive to overheating, but most healthcare buildings have not been designed to cope with high temperatures. In July, the Met Office warned that 2022’s record-breaking temperatures would be considered “average” by 2060 if global warming continues. The government’s independent climate advisers have also warned that progress in preparing healthcare facilities for hotter summers has been slow and that there is currently no policy to manage overheating risks in existing health and social care buildings. The heatwave last year led to thousands of deaths among those aged 65 and over, and hospitals and care homes experienced higher mortality rates on hot days. Hot conditions can worsen cardiovascular and respiratory conditions and increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The emergency services were stretched during last year’s heatwave, highlighting the systemic risks of not preparing for hotter temperatures. In addition to the direct risks to patients and residents, higher temperatures can also affect IT systems in hospitals, disrupting patient care. Most buildings in England are not designed to cope with extreme temperatures, although new regulations were introduced to prevent overheating in new residential buildings. Solutions such as insulation, air conditioning, white roofs, and tree planting can help keep buildings cool, but they can be expensive. Efforts to address the issue have been disjointed, but there are signs of progress, including the NHS net zero building standard and the UK Health Security Agency’s Centre for Climate and Health Security. However, addressing the issue is complicated by strained healthcare budgets and divided responsibility.
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