Heatwave patient information

Attending an appointment in the hospital

During periods of very hot weather, we want to ensure you can access care safely while minimising any risk to your health. If you have an appointment at the hospital, please attend as planned unless you feel that travelling or being in the heat may pose a personal risk to you.

We understand that heat can significantly affect wellbeing, particularly for those who are more vulnerable. If you have concerns about attending, such as existing health conditions, mobility issues, or difficulty travelling in high temperatures, please contact your clinical team as soon as possible. They will be happy to discuss your situation and explore safe alternatives where appropriate.

If you feel unable to reach your clinical team or would like additional support or guidance, you can contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS). They are available to help address concerns, provide advice, and ensure your care remains safe and accessible.

If you do attend, please take precautions such as staying hydrated, wearing light clothing, and allowing extra time for travel.

Your safety is our priority, and we encourage you to make the choice that is right for you while staying in touch with us.

Information for Inpatients

We recognise that periods of very hot weather can be uncomfortable and challenging for our inpatients. Our hospital buildings were not designed for temperatures of this magnitude, but we are taking a number of measures to help keep patients as comfortable and safe as possible.

To reduce the impact of the heat, we are:

Carrying out regular hydration rounds and encouraging patients to drink plenty of fluids.
Using blinds and windows appropriately throughout the day to help minimise heat build-up.
Monitoring temperatures across our sites and taking action where required.
Providing fans in areas experiencing higher temperatures and in locations caring for patients who may be at greater risk from the heat.

Visitors are welcome to bring a fan for their loved one. For electrical safety reasons and to adhere to infection control guidelines, any fan brought into the hospital must be: