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Patients died in 'suffocating' heatwave conditions on NHS wards, nurses say
- A Royal College of Nursing survey of 2,471 nurses found that record-breaking heatwaves compromised NHS care, with reports of patients suffering dehydration, fainting, and maggots in wounds while trapped in "suffocating atmospheres."
- Extreme temperatures repeatedly reached 35C during May through August, overwhelming outdated infrastructure; one Yorkshire ward hit 44C, forcing staff to treat patients with heart failure and respiratory conditions in unsafe, overheated environments.
- Freedom of Information figures released earlier this month reveal that more than 1,000 operations were cancelled at NHS hospitals during May and June, as record heat hindered the ability to maintain safe conditions for patients.
- RCN chief executive Professor Nicola Ranger warned that underinvestment leaves facilities vulnerable, calling for urgent installation of cooling systems to prevent "shocking harm" and ensure patients receive dignified, safe care.
- Some 74 per cent of nurses surveyed expressed little or no confidence that the government is taking sufficient action to mitigate climate change impacts on the NHS, highlighting persistent friction regarding infrastructure investment.
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8 Articles
Coverage Details
Total News Sources8
Leaning Left3Leaning Right1Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution43% Left, 43% Center
Bias Distribution
- 43% of the sources lean Left, 43% of the sources are Center
43% Center
L 43%
C 43%
14%
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