Employers must do more to protect patients and staff in every care setting as the Met Office issues the first “red extreme” heat warning in its history, the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has warned.
The RCN has warned that pressure on health and care services will intensify as temperatures rise, and employers must ensure staff welfare is considered.
Frequent breaks and easy access to drinking water will be more essential than ever to the safe delivery of care next week, as health and care staff work through the heatwave.
The heat will impact people differently and can be more dangerous for those with increased vulnerabilities. People who are pregnant, taking certain medications, living with a health condition or menopausal may have their symptoms exacerbated by hot weather.
Nurses are very concerned at the impact of extreme heat on patients in hospital, in social care, in the community, and on vulnerable members of the public including children and the elderly.
It’s important that employers and members of the public are aware of the signs of heat stress and dehydration so that they can prevent it and seek help if needed.
Heat stress can lead to dehydration, and staff feeling ill, which is dangerous for them and their patients. It can affect cognition and lead to longer term health problems including urinary tract infections and acute kidney injury. Prolonged overheating can also lead to heat stroke.
RCN Professional lead for Public Health, Helen Donovan, said:
“Employers across every health and social care setting must do all they can to protect staff and patient health and wellbeing.
“Nursing staff will be working through this heat to care for patients, many of whom are vulnerable to the heat.
“Every member of the public can do their bit to help nurses next week. Drink plenty of water, avoid strenuous exercise, make sure children are hydrated and protected from the heat, and check in on vulnerable friends or neighbours.
“We have already seen ambulance wait times soar, pressure on nursing staff spiral – all while the profession struggles to find the essential staff needed to deliver patient care.
“If nurses do not have the time and resources to take care of themselves, the care they can give patients will be impacted. Well ventilated environments, encouraging people to drink water and time to rest and rehydrate are essential in every care setting."
The College has said the increasingly high temperatures will add to the risk of heat stress and dehydration among staff expected to wear additional PPE. With COVID-19 cases rising, staff should be protected and tight fitting facemasks may need to be removed or changed more regularly if, for example, they become contaminated with bodily fluids or breathing becomes difficult.
Employers should carry out suitable and sufficient risk assessments, including individual assessments where required to protect staff from high workplace temperatures. Adjustments for nursing staff could include additional breaks, making sure staff can stay hydrated and changes to shift patterns.
Nicolas, a mental health nurse in London, said:
“During a heatwave the safety of nursing staff is paramount to patient safety; particularly when we’re wearing PPE on wards without air conditioning. Access to cold drinks, regular breaks and well-ventilated staff rooms should be a priority.”
Chuks, a community nurse team lead in the South East, said:
“Nursing staff don’t just work in hospitals – our community nurses help patients recover at home, relieving pressure on hospitals and emergency care. Making sure nurses have water with them in the car, allowing staff to wear loose cooler clothing and making sure we are working together as a team are critical to staying safe in the hot weather.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
- The RCN has a range of guidance to support and encourage good practice within the workplace. Our Rest, Rehydrate, refuel resource provides information for staff and managers, whilst our Personal protective equipment (PPE) guide contains advice for members caring for COVID-19 patients.
