26 June 2026

Heat-related illness can affect anyone, and over the past week we have seen a high number of people attending urgent and emergency services in need of care. Challenges caused by the rising temperature also led to Queen Alexandra Hospital declaring a Critical Incident on Wednesday 24 June.

While anyone can become unwell, the risk of serious illness in high temperatures is greater for older people, babies, young children, and those living with conditions such as diabetes, dementia, and heart disease.

To help keep people safe, we are sharing simple steps you can take to look after yourself and support others to stay well at home.

One of the most effective ways to help is by checking in on family, friends, and neighbours, particularly those who live alone. Encourage them to drink fluids regularly, keep cool, and seek advice or support early if they begin to feel unwell.

Dehydration and overheating can lead to serious conditions such as heat exhaustion. If you or someone else feels unwell, move to a cool place, rest, and drink water. If symptoms worsen, this could be heatstroke, and urgent medical help should be sought.

Sue Metcalfe, Associate Director of Nursing for Experience of Care at Isle of Wight NHS Trust and Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, said, “Our hospitals have been very busy this past week, with many elderly and frail people needing our services after experiencing the effects of the heat or not drinking enough.

“Please look after yourselves by staying hydrated and check on vulnerable people around you to make sure they are keeping cool. This includes those with dementia, underlying health conditions such as diabetes, and other chronic illnesses who may struggle more in this heat.

“If you are visiting someone in hospital, please offer them a drink if they are able, and think about how you can support them once they return home. This will help ease pressure on our already stretched services.”

Our teams are working incredibly hard to care for patients, but services remain busy. You can help free up beds sooner by supporting friends, family, or neighbours who are ready to leave hospital to return home. Make sure they have access to food and drink, know who to contact if they have concerns, and check in on them regularly.

A small act of kindness—such as looking out for those around you—can make a big difference.