Increase in demand at Peterborough City Hospital during heatwaves
More people have been attending Peterborough City Hospital during the numerous heatwaves this year, it has been revealed.
So far this year, Peterborough has seen three official heatwaves – resulting in more people than ever needing hospital care.
Now people are being urged to only attend A&E in a genuine emergency – with other options available if you need medical help.
While no figures have been released by the hospital – with a spokesperson saying that the impacts of a heatwave are ‘hard to quantify’ – they did confirm they were ‘incredibly busy.’
A spokesperson for the North West Anglian NHS Foundation Trust said: “Our hospitals are incredibly busy at the moment – nationally the NHS tends to see an increase in demand for services during adverse weather, including heat waves.
“We encourage everyone to take care in the warmer temperatures and follow guidance on staying out of the heat and remaining hydrated. Hot weather can be especially dangerous for the very young, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions, and so we also remind people to look out for anyone who could be vulnerable.
“Please only attend a hospital if you need urgent and immediate care. For minor ailments and illnesses like sun burn or stomach upsets, please visit your local pharmacy, consult your GP or call NHS 111 for advice on where best to be seen.”
Weather forecasters have said the sunny weather is set to continue through July – although there could be a break in the heat in August .
Forecasters have said July will be dominated by dry and fine conditions, with temperatures regularly hitting 28C or 29C.
However, there are signs that August could be a different prospect entirely.
The Met Office’s long range forecast, which covers the period between Wednesday, July 29 and Wednesday, August 12, says: “Perhaps a somewhat more changeable period, with the potential for showers or thunderstorms or even some longer spells of rain at times.
"Drier and brighter interludes are also likely, perhaps more likely across the south and southeast. Temperatures are likely to be above normal with some hot spells possible.”