Health leaders’ ‘help us help you’ call as red heat–health alert extended for a further day 

 

Local health and care leaders have issued a renewed call for people to follow heat health advice and use the right NHS service for their needs, during a period of sustained pressure on services caused by the ongoing heatwave. 

With the red heat-health alert in the South West extended for another 24 hours (until 23:00 on Friday), NHS organisations in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire are responding to increased demand on services due to heat-related conditions. School closures have also affected staffing for some services, with parents needing to care for young children at home.  

Deputy Chief Medical Officer for NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board, Dr Geeta Iyer, said: “The local NHS is here for you and health and care staff are working tirelessly to provide the care people need during this challenging time. 

“We have well-rehearsed plans to manage and respond to surges in demand and maintain safe and effective care, working together across health, local authority and voluntary sector partners. 

“However with the red heat-health alert extended for another day and pressures on services continuing to escalate, we’re urging people to ‘help us help you’ by following heat-health advice and using the right service for their needs if they do become unwell. 

“In particular, please remember that A&E and 999 are for serious, life-threatening emergencies. If you think you need help right away but it’s not an emergency, contact NHS 111 to be guided to the right service for your needs.” 

Older adults and people with long-term conditions are at greater risk from heat-related illness and people are being urged to check in on vulnerable neighbours and relatives to make sure they are coping and staying hydrated. 

Dr Iyer added: “It’s vitally important people understand the risks posed by high temperatures and take steps to protect themselves and their families, friends and neighbours. 

“Simple steps such as staying hydrated, avoiding the sun during the hottest times and keeping homes cool can make a big difference and help prevent illnesses such as heatstroke which can require medical attention.” 

Choose Well: Get the right NHS service for your needs 

  • Community pharmacies provide advice and treatment for a wide range of common conditions and can advise on medicines. 
  • General practice: Your GP is your first point of contact for non-emergency healthcare including persistent illness, minor injuries, mental health support and medication prescriptions. 
  • Minor injury units and urgent treatment centres: Local centres in Yate Clevedon and Hengrove provide urgent help for non-emergency injuries and illnesses 
  • NHS 111: Contact NHS 111 online or by phone when you think you need medical help right away but it’s not an emergency. They will assess you and guide you to the right place for your needs 
  • A&E and 999: A&E is for serious injuries and life-threatening emergencies. If it’s not an emergency or you’re not sure if you need to go to A&E, contact NHS 111 first. 

For further details of local services, see the NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire ICB website. 

Beat the heat: Stay safe in the hot weather 

  • If you are going to do a physical activity (for example exercise or walking the dog), plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler such as the early morning or the evening 
  • Keep your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun 
  • Drink plenty of fluids and limit your alcohol intake 
  • Check on family, friends and neighbours who may be at higher risk of becoming unwell, and if you are at higher risk, ask them to do the same for you 
  • Try to avoid direct sunlight, especially between 11am and 3pm when UV levels are highest 
  • If you are going out during this time, cover up with suitable clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, seek shade and apply sunscreen liberally and re-apply frequently.