Dear Colleagues
The Heatwave and Summer preparedness programme, overseen by The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is now operational until 15th September. Please see Heatwave Plan for England – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk), the Berkshire Public Health Heatwave Plan will follow at a later date.
We know that death rates rise soon after temperature increases, with many deaths occurring in the first one to two days, so swift action is needed when a Level 2 alert comes to you (Level 2 alert = 60% risk of heatwave in the next 2–3 days). The triggering threshold temperatures for South East England are 310C by day and 160C by night.
An estimated 1,634 heat-related deaths occurred in summer 2021 across all ages in England. This was the fourth highest estimate of heat-related deaths since the introduction of the Heatwave Plan for England in 2004. We also know the impact of heat on mortality is not reflected in admissions, supporting the idea that many heat-related deaths occur before people come to medical attention.
If we do one thing, please identify and plan for those who are at high risk of suffering from hot weather (including those within commissioned services). Particularly those who are less able to adapt to hot weather and rely on others to help them to stay cool and well during hot weather. This group includes babies and young children, having a disability, being bed bound, alcohol/drug misuse, having dementia, people who are already ill and dehydrated (for example, from gastroenteritis). Please use this checklist from UKHSA: Beat the heat: keep cool at home checklist
Please also think about which meetings, forums and groups within your organisation and local area provide opportunities for engaging colleagues, voluntary groups and the community to raise awareness over the next few weeks.
Below are some key resources:
- Beat the Heat poster and guidance
- UKHSA Hot weather video (YouTube)
- PHE The dangers of UV on our health video (You Tube)
- NHS advice: NHS Heatwave: how to cope in hot weather and NHS Heat exhaustion and heatstroke
- Air pollution: this can become worse during periods of hot weather and affect those with heart and/or lung problems. Information on the latest pollution levels, the air quality forecast and health advice can be found on the UK-AIR website or call 0800 55 66 77
- UKHSA Stay Well This Summer Toolkit 2022 (attached)
- Heat health alert comms toolkit (attached)
- Easy Read Heatwave plan (attached)
Below is a table of resources that will be helpful to you and your specific department. Please communicate the resources above and below to teams, colleagues, commissioned services, park wardens and others as applicableand update your websites with these links.
Please take the time to look through these resources and if you have any questions or would like to speak with a member of the team, please do feel free to contact me.
| Specific audience or agency | Resources available |
| Parish Councils Community Hubs Emergency Planning LA housing (including caretakers and wardens) LA Parks LA Facilities Management LA Events Management Safety Advisory Groups Licensing LA Transport/Highways Community Safety Partnership | Summer health: Hydration leaflet and poster Sun, UV and cancer https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/first-aid-and-safety/safety/safety-in-the-sun/ How to get vitamin D from sunlight UK-AIR – health advice about those who may be particularly sensitive to air pollution. or call 0800 55 66 77 Stay gas safe this summer Water safety advice Window Safety for children – National Safety Council (nsc.org) Frimley water and video safety video for you and your family (YouTube) – can be used for Drowning Prevention Week (18th to 25th June 2022) https://www.festival-medical.org/health-advice-fms |
Kind regards
Alexandra Gilkes
Senior Public Health Programme Officer
Public Health
Wokingham Borough Council
Email: alexandra.gilkes@wokingham.gov.uk
Public.Health@wokingham.gov.uk
Website: www.wokingham.gov.uk