Expected High Temperatures

April 18, 2018

Please be aware of the potential impact of the current temperatures upon a patient’s condition.

Factors which increase an individual’s risk during a heatwave include:

• Chronic and severe illness, including heart conditions, diabetes, respiratory or renal insufficiency, Parkinson’s disease or severe mental illness.
• Medications that potentially affect renal function, the body’s ability to sweat, thermoregulation or electrolyte balance can make this group more vulnerable to the effects of heat.
• Inability to adapt behaviour to keep cool: having Alzheimer’s, a disability, being bed bound, babies and the very young.

Actions to be taken include the following:

• Minimising heat increase by drawing blinds or curtains.
• Where possible switch off anything connected to the power system and likely to produce heat eg computers, printers, additional lighting.
• Maintaining hydration in patients.
• Ensure that discharge planning takes into account the temperature of the accommodation and level of daily care during the heatwave period.