NHS amber heat-health alert takes effect amid changes to Blackpool bin collections for staff safety

An NHS amber heat-health alert has been issued for Blackpool and will take effect from 1am tomorrow morning.

The NHS has warned that it means an increased risk of a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions, and there may also be impacts on younger age groups.

It is also expected that there will likely be increased demand on all health and social care services.

To protect local workers from the heat, Blackpool Council is changing some waste and recycling collections to earlier times than usual with the wellbeing and safety of staff being priority.

On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of this week, bins and caddies should be in their usual collection place the night before collection day, or by 5am at the latest.

The Met Office says temperatures in Blackpool are expected to peak on Thursday at 33 degrees celcius with 30 degrees on Friday. The extreme heat alert is in place until 11pm on Thursday.

There are simple actions to help in hot weather

• Plan exercise during times of the day when it is cooler such as the early morning or the evening
• keep your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun
• drink plenty of fluids and limit your alcohol intake
• check on family, friends and neighbours who may be at higher risk of becoming unwell, and if you are at higher risk, ask them to do the same for you
• know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and what to do if you or someone else has them
• Try to avoid direct sunlight, especially between 11am and 3pm when UV levels are highest
• If you are going out during this time, cover up with suitable clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, seek shade and apply sunscreen liberally and re-apply frequently

Dr Peter Gregory, associate medical director for primary care at NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board, said: “Anyone can be affected by heat exhaustion and heatstroke, however more vulnerable people are at higher risk of becoming unwell if they get too hot.

“Heat exhaustion often has symptoms such as weakness, feeling faint, headache, feeling sick or intense thirst - it does not usually need emergency medical attention, but if you don’t take action, it can lead to heatstroke.

“Heatstroke is much more serious and you may experience confusion, hot skin that isn’t sweating, increased heartbeat, faster breathing or shortness of breath, and seizures. It is a medical emergency and you should call 999 if you or someone you are with is experiencing this.

“Avoiding direct sunlight and staying indoors during the hottest part of the day will certainly reduce your risk of any ill effects.”

If feeling unwell, get medical help as soon as possible.

Pharmacists are experts in medicine and can provide treatment for a range of mild illnesses. Alternatively, speak to a GP or use the NHS 111 service (111.nhs.uk or call 111) if it’s an urgent medical problem. In a life-threatening emergency, visit A&E or call 999.

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