Government guidance on supporting vulnerable people in a heatwave
The Department of Health and Social Care has issued detailed guidance aimed at all care home managers and staff packed with helpful advice about supporting vulnerable people before and during a heatwave
The guidance points out that during a hot 10-day period in southeast England in August 2003, there were nearly 2,000 extra deaths, with the biggest increase in risk of death being in care homes. It adds that the latest UK government risk assessment on climate change suggests summers are going to get hotter in the future.
The guidance reads: “You should read this if you work in or manage a care home, where people are especially at risk during a heatwave. You are strongly urged to make the preparations in this factsheet before a heatwave is forecast. The effects of heat occur rapidly, and to be effective preparatory action must be taken before the beginning of June. This factsheet outlines the roles and responsibilities required at each level.
