Heat Health Alert issued for Sunderland and South Shields with risk of increased deaths
“Significant impacts are possible across health and social care services due to the high temperatures”
A Heat Health Alert has been issued for the North East, including Wearside and South Tyneside with the risk of an increase in deaths due to the high temperatures.
The Yellow Alert has been issued by the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) and is in place from 9am today (August 11) to 9pm on August 14.
The alert comes as temperatures are forecast to rise to 30 degrees Celsius in Sunderland and South Shields on Thursday, peaking at 32 degrees Celsius further inland.
A UKHSA spokesperson said: “Significant impacts are possible across health and social care services due to the high temperatures, including a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions. There may also be impacts on younger age groups.
“There is likely to be an increase in demand for health services due to the high temperatures, including water related incidents and risks from cold water shock and drowning.
“Indoor environments may also overheat, increasing the risk to vulnerable people living independently in community and care settings.
“Internal temperatures in care settings may exceed the recommended threshold for clinical risk assessment with the heat also affecting the ability of the workforce to deliver services.”