Carbon Brief · Climate & nature

Over 1,000 NHS Operations Canceled Due to UK Heatwaves

Record heatwaves in May and June led to over 1,000 NHS operations being canceled in England and Wales. Many trusts don't record this data, suggesting the true number is higher.

Cancellations included 167 orthopaedic surgeries, plus heart, eye, and skin cancer operations. At least 10 emergency surgeries were also affected. Regions like Surrey, Sussex, and London saw the most cancellations.

High temperatures can disrupt operating theatre ventilation, increasing infection risks. Some units reported ventilation failures or inability to maintain safe temperatures.

The cancellations highlight the strain of heat on the NHS, worsening existing pressures. While most were elective, the impact on patients with long waits is significant.

Operating theatre ventilation is crucial for safety, removing contaminants and fumes. System failures due to heat make safe surgery impossible.

UK surgical services are "poorly prepared" for heatwaves, with many theatres unable to control temperatures. Aging infrastructure exacerbates the problem.

The government announced £32 million for hospital resilience, including cooling systems. However, sustained investment in infrastructure is needed.

The analysis used FOI requests to 140 NHS trusts during heatwaves in May and June.

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