Stay cool as the temperature rises

People in Suffolk are being advised to stay cool by health professionals.

NHS Suffolk is working with partner organisations – including Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Community Healthcare, Ipswich Hospital and West Suffolk Hospital – to reduce harm from a potential heatwave.

In particular, this preparation includes making sure health professionals are checking that vulnerable people are well and that hospitals are aware and prepared.

This follows advice issued last Friday by the Department of Health to inform people what to be aware of as temperatures rise, and figures from the Met Office that suggest a 60% risk of a heatwave being triggered early this week in the East of England.

Heat is especially dangerous for the very young, older people or those with serious illnesses. In particular, it can make heart and respiratory problems worse. In extreme cases, excess heat can lead to heat stroke, which can be fatal.

Dr David Kanka, deputy director of public health at NHS Suffolk, said: “Our advice to everyone is to keep cool – that means staying out of the sun from 11am until 3pm, avoiding exertion, drinking plenty of cold drinks, keeping your environment cool – and also looking out for other people.

“It is particularly important that vulnerable or older people, and those who care for them, are aware of the importance of staying cool and taking this advice as the weather gets hotter – particularly in Suffolk’s larger towns.”

For more information about NHS Suffolk visit www.suffolk.nhs.uk