Revealed: More than 1,000 NHS operations cancelled due to record UK heatwaves

Over 1,000 NHS surgeries were cancelled due to record-breaking UK heatwaves in May and June 2026, according to Carbon Brief's investigation. This includes 167 orthopaedic procedures, heart operations, eye surgeries, and skin cancer treatments. At least 10 emergency surgeries deemed "life-threatening" were also halted. The investigation was conducted through Freedom of Information (FOI) requests sent to 140 NHS trusts in England and Wales regarding any surgeries cancelled due to heat during the specified heatwave period.

High temperatures can jeopardize patient safety by disabling vital ventilation systems, heightening infection risks, and exacerbating existing health conditions. Although Carbon Brief's figure likely underestimates the true impact due to limited reporting from hospitals, it still provides a significant insight into the inadequate preparation of surgical systems for heatwaves and their detrimental effects on patients.

The record-breaking heatwaves, fueled by climate change, have already been associated with thousands of deaths and have strained healthcare systems, causing record A&E demand, unsafe hospital temperatures, and equipment failures. The investigation revealed that Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust experienced the highest number of cancellations, with 140 surgeries halted at Crawley Hospital, which faced temperatures close to 36C.

Other regions with notable cancellations include south Essex, Dudley in the West Midlands, south Wales, and parts of London. Despite the majority of cancelled surgeries being elective, the list includes at least eight heart operations and seven skin-cancer removals. Ten emergency surgeries also had to be cancelled due to the heat.

The investigation underscores the significant distress and harm caused to patients, even for elective procedures, as every cancellation represents real people waiting a long time for necessary treatments.