Sally Greenbrook is the Policy Manager at the British Geriatrics Society.
Summer 2026 so far has been exceptionally hot. At the time of writing (late July), the country was approaching its fourth heatwave of the summer. Daytime temperatures in large parts of the country are very high, even outside of official heatwaves, and there hasn’t been any significant rain in nearly a month and none forecast in many parts of the country. While everyone is affected by the heat, we are particularly conscious that hot weather particularly affects older people and provides very challenging working conditions for many BGS members.
We have heard reports of hospitals reaching 47 degrees in some areas, IV fluids being refrigerated in an attempt to cool patients down and IV fluids being given to some patients who medically do not need them. We’ve heard about older people still taking diuretics and other medications that increase the risk of dehydration during the heatwave. BGS members report seeing patients from care homes experiencing heatstroke, some of whom subsequently died.
BGS has previously published advice from the Health Protection Agency about caring for older people during extreme heat and this guidance still stands. Many of the steps that can be taken to help older people during particularly hot weather are practical tips like ensuring that older people have light clothing to wear and are supported to keep fluids up. It does however seem that these periods of extreme heat are becoming more frequent and more does need to be done at a system level. We know that there is no shortage of advice to health and social care staff working in very hot weather; indeed, some social care staff report that the volume of advice is overwhelming.1
Heat is the most dangerous climate-related threat to life in the UK. Excess deaths in heatwaves are projected to increase from 1,400-3,000 per year today to 3,000-10,000 by 2050 with related increases also seen in accident and emergency attendances and hospital admissions.2 It is estimated that there were 2,700 excess deaths in England and Wales during the heatwaves in May and June 2026 with older people most likely to die as a result of extreme heat. Around 60% of the excess deaths were in people aged 85 and over.3
Approximately 90% of England hospital buildings are vulnerable to overheating with some hospital wards reaching 30 degrees when the outside air temperature is only 22 degrees.4 Heatwaves are also particularly challenging for social care services due to a lack of appropriate facilities in care homes and in people’s own homes. No two care homes are the same so each will face their own challenges during extreme weather with NHS, local authority and charity operated homes facing resource constraints which may prevent measures such as the installing of air conditioning.1 Those working in domiciliary care will have little or no control over the environment in their clients’ homes. Some report finding clients wearing heavy jumpers or having the heating on, either out of habit, because they do not know how to turn it off or because they did not feel hot.4
Steps need to be taken at a system level to adapt NHS and social care facilities to the effects of climate change. These measures are long-term and therefore it is crucial that they are started as soon as possible. It seems likely that hot summers are here to stay. It is therefore vital that the Government, local authorities and NHS Trusts ensure their estates and workforce are equipped to provide safe care during periods of extreme heat. Older people are more vulnerable to the heat than many other age groups and are more likely to require medical attention during heatwaves. Steps must be taken to support older people during hot weather and reduce hospital admissions and premature deaths.
