Hospital takes measures, but everyone should in the heat

With high temperatures over the weekend, up to a forecast 34C on Monday, older islanders or those with chronic or severe illnesses could be at an increased risk during the heat wave.

Air conditioning is installed at the hospital in areas that are more difficult to keep cool, such as the operating theatres.

There have not yet been reports of wards struggling with the heat, however mitigations have been implemented to reduce its effects.

Fluid balance charts are available to assess patients’ risk of dehydration, and hospital staff try to ensure all patients have loose clothing and shade.

Doctors are monitoring medications that can be affected by extreme heat, such as diuretics, anti-hypertensives and some neuroleptics.

Symptoms of heat-related illnesses will be carefully monitored.

Director of Public Health Dr Nicola Brink said everyone should be thinking about how to stay safe in the heat.

‘We know that over-65s, as well as young children and those with heart and lung conditions, can all find normal activities a strain when temperatures get this high,’ she said.

‘I also urge people to take care to protect against the sun, taking sensible precautions such wearing a hat and applying sunscreen. It is also important to stay well hydrated. This way we can all enjoy the warmer weather.’

Advice from Health & Social Care for staying safe in the heat includes never leaving any person or animal in a closed parked car, looking out for others, especially older people, young people and those with underlying health conditions and drinking lots of water to stay hydrated.

Closing windows in sunny rooms can keen a room cooler and people should stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm.

People should wear sun cream and hats when outside and avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day.

. The highest temperature recorded by the Guernsey Met office was 34.3C on 9 August 2003.