A new survey of healthcare workers has highlighted the severe impact of extreme heat on NHS hospital wards, describing conditions that some staff characterized as "suffocating." The report details instances where patients suffered from fainting and other heat-related health complications, with some cases resulting in fatalities.

Medical professionals are calling for immediate action to address the lack of adequate cooling systems in older hospital buildings. The plea emphasizes that current ward environments are becoming increasingly "inhumane" during summer heatwaves, posing a significant risk to vulnerable patients who are already struggling with existing health issues.

While the survey focuses on the physical toll on patients, it also underscores the strain placed on hospital staff who must manage these high-temperature environments while providing care. The findings have prompted renewed discussions regarding the necessity of retrofitting healthcare facilities to withstand rising temperatures, as climate experts warn that such heat events may become more frequent. The report serves as a warning that without significant investment in infrastructure, the safety of patients in hospital wards remains at risk during periods of extreme weather.