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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Helena Vesty

Hospital's expert advice on how to stay safe in hot weather as pressure on NHS builds

Hospitals are urging Greater Manchester residents to keep safe as temperatures climb this week. The region has been placed under a rare red weather warning for extreme heat as temperatures are set to soar.

The warning, the first of its kind, covers a large area of England from London up to Manchester and Yorkshire and will be in place until Tuesday night. According to the Met Office, temperatures will reach the mid-30s in Greater Manchester with some boroughs seeing highs of 36C on Monday, which could pose a danger to life.

The region’s hospitals, including the Royal Bolton Hospital, have issued advice today (Monday) to help people stay well in the conditions. Here are the hospital trust’s tips for keeping safe.

READ MORE: Ambulances queuing and 'extremely busy' on highest possible alert: Pressure heats up on Greater Manchester's NHS

“Hot weather can have a significant impact on our health,” said the experts.

  • Look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated
  • Stay cool indoors by closing curtains on rooms that face the sun
  • Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol, take water with you if travelling
Experts have issued health tips for the hot weather (Sean Hansford - Manchester Evening News)
  • Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals
  • Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm
  • Walk in the shade and apply sunscreen regularly

  • Avoid exercising in the hottest parts of the day
  • Never jump into or swim in open water (including reservoirs, rivers, canals and ponds). Follow local safety guidance and advice from Manchester Fire and Rescue Service

The advice comes as Bolton A&E - among other A&Es across the region - continue to experience very high levels of activity, with waiting times approximately more than four hours.

The city centre in the heat (Sean Hansford - Manchester Evening News)

Rae Wheatcroft, Chief Operating Officer at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said: We’re incredibly busy throughout the year, but long spells of hot weather can have a significant impact on our emergency services.

“We are always here to help if someone’s condition is an emergency or life-threatening. But please make sure you are seeking help from the most appropriate health services, using self-care options, pharmacy and NHS 111 online for 24/7 advice about the most appropriate care for less urgent conditions.

“This will help us make sure A&E and 999 ambulance services are available for those that need them the most."

For the most up-to-date waiting times, please visit Bolton NHS Foundation Trust’s website.

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