Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

NHS Buildings: Extreme Heat 2026-07-14

Tuesday 14 July 2026 · 6 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Heatwaves place additional pressure on hospitals, leading to investment of 6.75 billion for climate resilience measures.
  • Torbay hospital's construction, originally scheduled between 2032 and 2034, is not being accelerated despite concerns over outdated buildings during heatwaves.
  • The Government is providing guidance from the UK Health Security Agency to ensure safe patient care during extreme weather events.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East
NHS Climate
Context

Recent heatwaves have placed significant pressure on the NHS, with staff facing challenges and patients suffering in overheated conditions.

Question

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.

Answer from Sharon Hodgson

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.

Answered
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Q2 Steve Darling Lib Dem
NHS
Context

Torbay hospital, one of the oldest estates in NHS, is struggling with heatwave conditions affecting patients and staff.

Question

Does the Minister think it is time to acknowledge that buildings are outdated and accelerate investment in Torbay hospital?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.

Answer from Sharon Hodgson

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Accelerating construction timeline

How: I Cannot Commit To That At This Stage

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Q3 Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East
NHS
Context

Staff and patients are enduring unbearable conditions due to lack of air conditioning, overheating equipment, and more hospital admissions.

Question

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.

Answer from Sharon Hodgson

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.

Answered
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Q4 Ellie Chowns Green
Employment Climate
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Sharon Hodgson

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Support for private Bill and adaptation planning details

How: Consultation Planned, Cannot Recall Detailed Discussions

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Q5 Jennifer Craft Lab
NHS Climate
Context

Basildon hospital is struggling with heatwave conditions and unprecedented demand due to unfit building design. The MP asked about making capital funding available.

Question

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.

Answer from Sharon Hodgson

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific funding details or commitments

How: Cannot Recall Detailed Discussions

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Q6 Helen Morgan Lib Dem
NHS
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.

Question

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.

Answer from Sharon Hodgson

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specifics about Liberal Democrat plans

How: Publishing Data, Ending Corridor Care

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