Hundreds of NHS operations cancelled in summer heatwaves, figures show

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By Emily Beament, PA Media

More than 1,000 operations at NHS hospitals were cancelled because of the heat during record-breaking heatwaves in May and June, figures show.

Freedom of Information requests by climate and energy publication Carbon Brief reveal hip and knee replacements, heart, eye and skin cancer operations – and even a small number for “life threatening conditions” – were cancelled in the heat.

Carbon Brief said experts warned that high temperatures can stop the ventilation systems that control operating theatres working, raising the risk of infection as well as affecting equipment and putting pressure on staff in protective clothing.

Heatwaves in May and June saw temperatures reach new records for the time of year, with the June heatwave prompting a rare “red warning” for extreme heat from the Met Office, closing schools and disrupting transport, while EDs and ambulance services faced record demand over the summer.

Carbon Brief requested information from 140 NHS trusts and health boards in England and Wales on all the operations that were cancelled due to extreme heat during the May and June heatwaves when amber and red heat warnings were in place.