Some NHS services in Greater Manchester are under intense pressure as a severe heatwave drives a surge in heat-related illnesses, prompting hospitals to introduce special measures. The Royal Bolton Hospital has declared its A&E department 'extremely busy', urging patients with non-urgent conditions to seek care at another time.
Extreme Heat Warnings Across the Region
Temperatures in Greater Manchester are expected to reach 34°C later this week, with Wednesday 24 June and Thursday 25 June both topping 30°C. The Met Office has issued an amber warning for the region, cautioning of 'population-wide adverse health effects'. Southern England and Wales face a rare red warning, indicating a high risk of serious illness or danger to life.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has also issued an amber heat-health alert for the North West, warning of 'significant impacts across health and social care services' and a 'rise in deaths', particularly among those aged 65 and over or with pre-existing health conditions.
Royal Bolton Hospital: 'Extremely Busy' Emergency Department
Royal Bolton Hospital has reported a notable increase in patients presenting with heat-related conditions. Dr Rauf Munshi, Medical Director at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said: 'Please do take extra care over the next few days and keep an eye out for the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Heatstroke symptoms can include confusion, fast breathing and heart rate, headaches and dizziness and loss of consciousness. Our Emergency Department is always here to help in a life-threatening emergency, and we'll always prioritise our sickest patients. To help manage demand we may ask people with non-urgent conditions to come back at another time for a booked appointment.'
The trust has deployed air conditioning and is distributing bottled water throughout the hospital to help keep patients and visitors cool.
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust: Welfare Protocols Activated
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), the largest NHS trust in the country, which runs Manchester Royal Infirmary, Wythenshawe Hospital, North Manchester General Hospital, Saint Mary's Hospital and Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, said it is not currently facing increased pressures from the heatwave. However, it has activated 'welfare protocols' across its hospitals.
A spokesperson for MFT said: 'All of our services are running as planned and patients should attend their appointments as they usually would. Safety is our number one priority through the heatwave, and patient and colleague welfare protocols are in place to manage areas where excessive heat is an issue.'
The trust has stepped up its hot-weather response by activating local business continuity plans, asking staff to check regularly on vulnerable patients, monitoring indoor temperatures to keep designated areas below 26°C, reviewing medicine storage requirements, checking cold-storage capacity for water and ice, and reviewing staffing levels.
Regional Health Advice and Vulnerable Groups
NHS Greater Manchester has issued guidance urging people to take simple precautions. Dr Manisha Kumar, Chief Clinical Officer for NHS Greater Manchester, said: 'Hot weather can affect people's health far more quickly than many realise, especially older people, babies and young children, pregnant women, and anyone living with heart, lung or other long-term conditions. This is not just about feeling uncomfortable in the heat. High temperatures can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion and, in some cases, heatstroke, which is a medical emergency. We are asking people across Greater Manchester to look out for family members, friends and neighbours who may be more at risk, and to act early if someone starts to feel unwell. If you need non-emergency advice, your local pharmacy or NHS 111 can help. If someone shows signs of heatstroke, call 999 immediately.'
The NHS advises those most at risk include older people aged 65 and over, babies and children under five, pregnant women, people with long-term health conditions, those taking certain medicines, people who live alone, individuals experiencing homelessness, and anyone who works or spends long periods outside.
Practical Steps to Stay Safe
NHS Greater Manchester recommends the following measures: drink plenty of fluids and avoid too much alcohol; keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm; keep homes cool by closing curtains and windows in rooms facing the sun, then opening windows later when it is cooler; check on older relatives and neighbours; continue taking prescribed medicines and check whether they need to be stored below 25°C or in the fridge.
