Heatwave Plan

This Clinical Protocol is intended for use by healthcare professionals within Leeds unless otherwise stated.
For healthcare professionals in other trusts, please ensure that you consult relevant local and national guidance.

The objectives of the plan are to:

• Describe roles and responsibilities of key staff in preparing, alerting and preventing people from the major avoidable effects on health during a heatwave.
• Describe high risk factors and groups of people in the event of a heatwave.
• Describe heat-related illnesses and their consequences.
• Provide key messages to staff and patients to prevent heat-related illness and heat-related problems.
• Define how the Met Office Heat-Health Watch Alert system will operate in England from 1 June to 15 September.
• Ensure measures are taken to avoid estate and equipment failure (including computers and other hospital equipment).
• Provide advice on the use of fans and supply of ice (within infection control restrictions).
• Ensure business continuity arrangements are in place.
• Link to appropriate websites and resources.
• Provide action cards which are simple to operate and ensures clarity of roles and responsibilities.