Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS medical director, warned on 13 June 2023 that the NHS faced significant disruption in the week ahead, with a three-day junior doctor walkout set to begin and hot weather increasing demand on emergency care1.
He said thousands of appointments were likely to be rescheduled because of the strike action, and that the NHS would continue to prioritise urgent and emergency care1. The number of people seeking emergency care rises as temperatures climb, he said1.
"The NHS is facing significant disruption this week with a three-day strike that is set to be exacerbated by the ongoing hot weather"
His advice for vulnerable and elderly people included drinking plenty of water, using sunscreen and avoiding prolonged periods in the sun or swimming in unsafe water1. He also asked the public to consider checking in on vulnerable friends, family members or neighbours who may struggle with the heat and humidity, and said people with conditions such as asthma should continue to use their inhalers1. Anyone needing medical help should come forward as usual, using 111 online and calling 999 in an emergency, he said1.
The statement did not give regional temperature figures, the number of appointments expected to be rescheduled, or the dates of the strike beyond its three-day length; these have not been reported in the announcement1.
Why it matters for households
The warning covers households in England who may need NHS care during the week beginning 13 June 2023, and those looking after vulnerable or elderly relatives, friends or neighbours during hot weather1. The practical changes set out by NHS England are that thousands of appointments are likely to be rescheduled, while urgent and emergency care continues to be prioritised1. Its advice to the public is to be sensible in the hot weather, to follow the hot weather guidance for vulnerable and elderly people, to check on those who may struggle with heat and humidity, and for people with conditions such as asthma to continue using their inhalers1. It asks anyone who needs medical help to come forward as usual, using 111 online and calling 999 in an emergency1. The heatwaves and drought hub sets out wider household guidance on hot weather, and the Adverse Weather and Health Plan explains how services respond to adverse weather and health alerts.
What happens next
The three-day junior doctor strike was set to begin in the week of 13 June 2023, with appointments likely to be rescheduled during it1. No further dates or updates were given in the announcement1.
Sources (1)
- NHS England » Top NHS doc warns of heat and strikes impact, england.nhs.uk
