Heatwave Plan Requirements

When a heatwave code RED is declared in accordance with the NHS Heatwave plan, it is recommended that all areas with patients should be kept below 26°C.^[i]

“ensure that cool rooms are consistently below 26ºC as this is the temperature threshold at which many vulnerable patients find it difficult to cool themselves naturally if sweating is impaired due to old age, sickness or medication”

In addition, the Heatwave Plan recommends that the temperature in cool areas should be measured four times per day to ensure the temperature remains below the 26°C threshold.

“check that indoor temperatures are recorded four times a day for all areas with patients in”

The big question is, when a code RED alert is declared, how should you check and record the temperature to ensure it doesn’t go over the 26ºC threshold?

^[i] Heatwave Plan for England 2008 page 25