London: The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) is preparing for a potentially more difficult winter following a summer marked by record-breaking temperatures and multiple heatwaves, Health Secretary Yvette Cooper has warned.
Cooper announced an additional £140 million investment in urgent care services across England, saying preparations had begun in July to help the health service manage the expected rise in seasonal illnesses and demand for emergency treatment.
The funding follows five heatwaves during the summer, which placed additional pressure on healthcare services. Government figures show that nearly 7.3 million people attended accident and emergency departments between June and August, the highest number recorded for a summer period.
The UK Health Security Agency warned in July that 2026 could record its highest number of heat-related deaths. Its estimate at the time linked 2,877 deaths to high temperatures during two heatwaves in May and June.
Cooper noted that early planning and investment in additional urgent care capacity were intended to help patients access treatment when needed.
The £140 million package will support 14 schemes across England, including the establishment of urgent care centres, the expansion of ambulance fleets and improvements to emergency departments.
Emma Rowland, NHS Executive Director for performance and delivery, noted that the health service was working to reduce pressure on emergency departments while ensuring patients received appropriate care and protecting healthcare staff.
The Executive Director added that investment in same-day emergency care and urgent treatment centres would help patients access suitable services more efficiently. Rowland also encouraged eligible members of the public to receive vaccinations against flu and other winter viruses.
The warning comes after experts highlighted the risk of a combined strain on the NHS from extreme summer temperatures and seasonal illnesses, including flu and norovirus.
Earlier in October, NHS National Medical Director Professor Frankie Swords raised concerns about signs of an early flu season. She said hospital admissions for flu were unusually high for the time of year, with COVID-19 admissions also expected to increase.
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