With an amber warning issued over rising temperatures in the coming days, NHS London has issued urgent health advice, asking people to take care and use NHS services wisely.
Scorchio!: public bodies are urging the public to take caution in the sun
Weather forecasters are predicting temperatures in Croydon as high as 32º in the next three or four days.
Last night, councils across London, including Croydon, activated SWEP, the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol, to run until Sunday, when teams will provide support to rough sleepers during this hot weather.
Transport for London, meanwhile, is asking all passengers on its Tubes, trams, buses and trains to travel with a bottle of water, to ensure they remain well-hydrated while travelling around the capital.
Hot weather can cause some people to become unwell through overheating (becoming uncomfortably hot), dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Dr Agatha Nortley-Meshe, the NHS’s medical director for primary care in London, said: “We are expecting some very hot weather over the weekend, and I would like people to not only enjoy the sun but also be safe by taking precautions to keep well and avoid putting pressure on services.
“We advise people to keep out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm. 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 morning or evening.”
Dr Nortley-Meshe also suggests drinking plenty of fluids, applying sunscreen and limiting alcohol intake.
Getting hot: the weather forecasts for Croydon
“Hot weather can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, lung problems and other diseases. Older people, babies and young children are more likely to be unwell from hot weather because their bodies are less able to regulate temperature. People with underlying medical conditions can also be vulnerable to the effects of hot weather.”
Hot weather increases the demand on NHS services, especially A&E departments and the 111 phone service. People should use NHS 111 online as their first point of contact for non-emergency medical advice.
Reminder: TfL is asking passengers to travel with water bottles
The NHS App links to NHS 111 online which offers help for a wide range of symptoms and medical conditions. Health advice and information is also available via the NHS website, including help finding a local pharmacy, dentist and GP practice.
NHS 111 online is not available for children under five. People looking for urgent medical help for under-fives should use the 111 phone line.
In Croydon, if you observe a street sleeper who may need assistance, you can submit an online report to StreetLink to notify help teams under the SWEP procedures.
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