Record numbers of patients seek help at Tooting’s St George’s Hospital in heatwave
Record numbers of patients sought help at Tooting’s St George’s Hospital last week following June’s heatwave, with the nearby Wimbledon tennis tournament also having an impact.
On Monday 29 June, St George’s had the highest number of people attending its Emergency Department in over three years – as patients suffered with dehydration and Acute Kidney Injury, which particularly affects older and more vulnerable people.
During last month’s heatwave, St George’s used AI to assist them in identifying and contacting more than 2,000 vulnerable patients, offering to reschedule or arrange virtual appointments – and will be doing the same this week to help patients avoid unnecessary travel.
A St George’s spokesperson said, “Ageing hospital buildings weren’t designed for extreme temperatures, so dedicated NHS teams are doing everything they can to keep people safe and comfortable, such as providing extra drinking water and prioritising air-con for the sickest patients.
People can keep themselves and others safe by:
• Spending time in the shade, especially between 11am and 3pm
• Wearing a hat, sunglasses and loose, light clothing
• Using sunscreen SPF 30 or higher and reapplying regularly
• Drinking plenty of fluids regularly – don’t wait until you feel thirsty
• Choosing water or diluted drinks and avoiding too much alcohol or caffeine
• Looking out for others around you, especially those who may be more vulnerable
If you do need medical help that is not an emergency, please use NHS 111 online 111.nhs.uk or call 111 so you can get the right help quickly.
For minor illnesses or injuries, your local pharmacy can offer expert advice, and in some cases can offer treatment without you needing to see a GP.
For serious or life-threatening emergencies, call 999.