NHS England’s accident and emergency (A&E) departments saw a record 2.5 million attendances last month amid two heatwaves, with the three busiest months ever all recorded between May and July.
This is according to data from NHS England which revealed despite this record pressure on the service, more patients were seen, treated or discharged within four hours than in June, with performance improving to 75.4%.
NHS England said that while it normally experiences spikes in demand during the summer months, as the public spends more time outside which can lead to a rise in accidents, this summer has seen unprecedented pressure, with the heat contributing to an increase in admissions caused by more outdoor activity and respiratory issues linked to dry weather, as well as worsening of underlying medical conditions.
It added that a range of measures have been taken to make conditions more comfortable for staff working in blistering temperatures.
Professor Frankie Swords, NHS national medical director, said: “Like many members of the public, NHS staff are enjoying the lovely weather outside of work, but the heat is making day-to-day working more challenging while also driving up pressure on services.
“But staff are as ever demonstrating outstanding professionalism, flexibility and hard work in the face of this summer surge – seeing more patients, more quickly, while bringing down the waiting list despite record numbers of people being referred for treatment.
“With temperatures peaking today, please take sensible precautions to stay safe: keep hydrated, avoid the sun during the hottest part of the day especially if you are clinically vulnerable, and check in on older or vulnerable friends, relatives and neighbours.
“While the NHS is busy, it is here for anyone who needs it, so please continue to call 999 in a life-threatening emergency and otherwise use NHS 111.”
Health and social care secretary Yvette Cooper added: “I want to thank NHS staff for their extraordinary efforts over this hugely challenging summer.
“Despite the extreme heat and record demand that NHS staff have faced, more than three quarters of patients were seen within four hours in A&E, a record 2.65 million diagnostic tests and checks were carried out in a single month, and the waiting list has fallen in the month of June for the first time since 2011.
“But today’s figures also show how much of an additional burden is placed on the NHS during periods of extreme heat, and I have made clear that we must start planning for summer pressures in the NHS in the same way we do for winter.
“That’s why I’m working closely with NHS leaders to put those plans in place, and ensure that our staffing, beds and emergency services are prepared for the demand we know is likely to come, and that our health service can keep delivering for patients, no matter the weather.”