The current unprecedented heatwave in Britain is having
unforeseen consequences – especially for the NHS.
The extreme heat (up to 40C) is causing computers and other
machines to collapse and making the existing NHS crisis a whole lot worse.
The heat is knocking out a wide range of equipment - MRI
scanners, radiotherapy machines, other machines used to treat cancer,
diagnostic facilities, operating theatres, various IT systems, other electrical
equipment.
On top of that health workers are struggling to do their
jobs after several sleep-deprived nights caused by the heat and in some cases
hospitals with broken-down air conditioning.
As a result of the equipment failures, many consultations,
operations and treatment sessions are having to be cancelled.
And this is only June. Presumably there will be equally
extreme heatwaves in July and August.
Fortunately Northern Ireland is not much affected because
temperatures here are much lower than in the rest of the UK – possibly reaching
the upper twenties. So although we’re sweltering we’re not completely wiped out
by the heat.
Jenny and I are glad we’re not living in London any more. It
looks like the temperatures there are pretty unbearable.
PS: Some London
pavements have reached 57C.
