NHS faces 'more challenging' winter after summer of heatwaves, minister warns
The NHS faces a "more challenging" winter than normal after this summer's record-breaking heat, the health secretary has warned.
By Sky News
The NHS is facing a more challenging winter than usual after a summer of record-breaking heat, Health Secretary Yvette Cooper has warned.
The warning came as the government announced £140 million for urgent care services in England. The funding will support 14 schemes, including new urgent care centres, ambulance fleet improvements and upgrades to emergency departments.
Cooper said the NHS had been preparing since July for the impact of seasonal illnesses.
“Winter will be more challenging for our NHS this year, after such a heavy summer,” she said. “That’s why we have been preparing early and investing in extra urgent care capacity to help get patients the care they need.”
The summer saw five heatwaves, with some temperatures breaking records. Almost 7.3 million people attended A&E departments between June and August, the highest number recorded for a summer period.
The UK Health Security Agency estimated in July that 2,877 deaths had been linked to hot weather during two heatwaves in May and June. It also said 2026 could see the highest number of heat-associated deaths on record.
The latest funding is intended to increase capacity as the NHS prepares for seasonal pressures including flu and norovirus.
Emma Rowland, NHS executive director for performance and delivery, said the service was working to reduce pressure on emergency departments while ensuring patients received care and staff were protected.
She said investment in same-day emergency care and urgent treatment centres would help more patients receive treatment in the appropriate setting.