NHS Buildings Extreme Heat 2026-07-14
2026-07-14
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
Recent heatwaves have placed significant pressure on the NHS, with staff facing challenges and patients suffering in overheated conditions.
What assessment has been made of the potential impact of recent heatwaves on hospitals? The MP noted that heatwaves place additional pressure on hospitals. She referenced the need for climate resilience measures. She asked about the current state of investment towards addressing these issues, particularly capital funding.
Heatwaves place additional pressure on hospitals. We commend NHS staff for their professionalism. Our 10-year capital plan commits to climate resilience, investing £6.75 billion to address safety risks including cooling and ventilation issues. Heat resilience is a key part of future building design.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Torbay hospital, one of the oldest estates in NHS, is struggling with heatwave conditions affecting patients and staff.
Does the Minister think it is time to acknowledge that buildings are outdated and accelerate investment in Torbay hospital? The MP mentioned the tower block at Torbay hospital which becomes an oven during heatwaves. He asked if construction can be brought forward for this hospital, which is slated for development between 2032-2034.
The Minister noted that Torbay hospital is in wave 2 of the new hospital programme, with construction expected to commence between 2032 and 2034. She heard what he said about bringing this forward but could not commit to accelerating it at this stage.
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Assessment & feedback
Accelerating construction timeline
I Cannot Commit To That At This Stage
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
Staff and patients are enduring unbearable conditions due to lack of air conditioning, overheating equipment, and more hospital admissions.
What are the Government currently doing to ensure that safe patient care can still be provided this summer? The MP noted the current conditions affecting hospitals during heatwaves. She asked about measures being taken for immediate safety during these extreme weather events.
Health infrastructure must adapt to deal with increasing heatwaves. The Government is investing record sums and setting clear design standards to ensure the NHS estate can cope with risks, including heat. Providers receive guidance from UK Health Security Agency under the adverse weather and health plan.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Heatwaves are becoming more frequent due to climate crisis, causing health issues. The MP asked about support for a private bill setting maximum workplace temperatures and plans for adaptation.
First, will the Minister support my colleague's private Member's Bill to set a maximum workplace temperature? Secondly, what conversations is the Department having with Cabinet Office on a Government-wide plan for adaptation?
The Health and Safety Executive plans to consult on changes to workplace temperature regulations. Employers have a legal duty to ensure reasonable temperatures for indoor workplaces. The Government is investing record capital to adapt NHS estate for the future, ensuring staff have safe, modern workplaces.
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Assessment & feedback
Support for private Bill and adaptation planning details
Consultation Planned
Cannot Recall Detailed Discussions
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Basildon hospital is struggling with heatwave conditions and unprecedented demand due to unfit building design. The MP asked about making capital funding available.
Will the Minister make capital funding available for hospitals such as Basildon, which are not fit for extreme heat? The MP mentioned that Basildon hospital faces challenges compounded by working in a fundamentally unfit building during heatwaves.
NHS trusts and adult social care providers are required to have robust business continuity plans for adverse weather. The Department works closely with NHS England, UK Health Security Agency, and the Government on planning extreme heat responses.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific funding details or commitments
Cannot Recall Detailed Discussions
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
Heatwaves have caused an increase in A&E corridor care, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C. The MP referenced the Liberal Democrat plan to end corridor care.
Will the Secretary of State consider ending corridor care for good and ensure that the hospital building programme is accelerated? The MP noted the recent heatwave causing an increase in A&E corridor care, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C.
We are committed to publishing data on corridor care and ending it by the end of this Parliament. The Government is committed to addressing the size of the problem through transparency.
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Assessment & feedback
Specifics about Liberal Democrat plans
Publishing Data
Ending Corridor Care
Response accuracy