‘We’re seeing lots of people who feel dizzy’: how heatwaves are taking a toll on people’s health and the NHS

Doctors and nurses are reporting a surge in health issues related to extreme heat, placing immense strain on the National Health Service (NHS). Dr Adrian Boyle, an A&E consultant at Addenbrooke’s hospital in Cambridge, has witnessed numerous elderly patients suffering from dizziness, falls, and subsequent injuries due to the heat.

During this summer's heatwaves, Boyle has seen elderly individuals break multiple bones after falling down stairs, often taking diuretics or medications for high blood pressure. These conditions make elderly patients more susceptible to light-headedness, leading to a significant number of falls, fractures, and prolonged recovery times.

The United Kingdom experienced its hottest day on record, reaching 38.1C (100.6F), during a period of two consecutive heatwaves in May and June. This extreme heatwave resulted in 2,877 deaths, nearly double the 1,504 heat-related deaths recorded in all of 2025. NHS England reported a record 2.5 million people attending A&E during July, primarily due to heat-related illnesses exacerbating pre-existing health conditions.

Boyle notes that the heat causes various problems, including kidney failure from dehydration, overheating while swimming in unsupervised rivers, and risks for individuals with severe mental illness who may not recognize they are getting too hot while taking medication.

Moreover, extreme heat presents challenges for healthcare staff. Dr Zuzanna Sawicka, a consultant in elderly medicine, highlights the difficulty doctors face when visiting hospitalized patients while wearing full personal protective equipment (PPE). The restrictive clothing, combined with inadequate ventilation in hospital rooms, leads to discomfort and potential health risks for both patients and staff.

Sawicka also emphasizes the potential spread of infections due to poor ventilation and air conditioning in hospitals. Jean, a nurse at a London hospital, reports that the lack of adequate fans and the discomfort of heavy uniforms exacerbate the situation, leading to overheating and conflicts among patients. The combination of environmental stressors and inadequate healthcare infrastructure highlights the urgent need for improvements to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves.