Dr Hilary Jones issues warning after more than 2,000 heatwave deaths

August 24: “Heat episodes” killed over 2,000 people in England last summer, according to recently released government data.

Round Our Way, together with charities like Save the Children and Age UK is part of the Not Just Small Talk campaign, which is backed by TV doctor Dr. Hilary Jones MBE.

The story featured in The Daily Mirror, The Daily Express, iNews and more.

A report issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) highlights five “heat episode” periods between June and September 2023 that coincided with a significant increase in people dying, particularly those aged over 65. The South East of England saw the highest overall number of heat related deaths.

The summer of 2023 was the eighth warmest on record and despite being relatively mild and cool, saw the third highest heat-associated mortality since heat-mortality reports were first published in 2016, according to the UKHSA.

In total throughout the five hot periods the South East of England suffered significantly more deaths (473) than others, followed by London and the North West. 

Heatwaves disproportionately took the lives of older people with heat-associated deaths “significant in all age groups above 65,” the UKHSA said.

The UKHSA estimates that the people (aged 65+) killed by the heat would have gone on to otherwise live on 16,239 more years. Additional Round Our Way analysis shows this equates to 7.7 years for every life lost and up to 16.2 years for those 317 people aged 65-74 who were estimated to have died as a result of the heat.

The Met Office noted in its 2023 State of the UK Climate report that the hot weather in June and September was made more likely due to climate change. The Met Office also predicts that climate change will increase the number and intensity of heatwaves in the UK. 

Round Our Way, together with charities like Save the Children and Age UK is part of the Not Just Small Talk campaign which aims to transform how we talk about the changing weather, especially heat and its impact on our health. The campaign’s website NotJustSmallTalk.org includes tips for people to stay safe and keep cool. 

The campaign is backed by TV doctor Dr. Hilary Jones MBE who said in a video message supporting the campaign: 

“We all love the sun but it doesn’t take much for our bodies to overheat, especially now that heatwaves are becoming more common. And in extreme cases this can cause heat stroke. Heat stroke is when our body overheats and can’t cool down. It can even be deadly, especially for pregnant women, for children, those over 65 and those with underlying health conditions. Signs include dizziness, confusion, nausea, and hot, dry skin.” 

“These three tips are simple but potentially life saving. First, the sun is most dangerous between 11 am and 3 pm, so plan your outside activities outside of those hours. Two, hydration is key. So watch the alcohol and caffeine intake. Stick to water or sports drinks to replace what you’re sweating out. Three, stay cool. Seek shade, use fans, take cool showers, or use cold compresses if you are feeling overheated.

“If someone is showing heatstroke signs get them to a cool place immediately and seek medical help. Europe is the fastest warming continent due to climate change and even in the UK we’ve been feeling the heat as well so we need to be extra careful.”

Roger Harding, Director of Round Our Way, an organisation that supports people impacted by weather extremes in the UK, said:

“It’s distressing that last summer felt mild compared with the record-breaking year before but still resulted in over 2,000 heat-related deaths. It just shows how unprepared we are for the warmer summers that climate change is bringing. 

“It is heartbreaking to think those killed by the heat would typically have gone on to live for another 8 years. The number of missed births, weddings and other family moments are both countless and heart-wrenching. 

“Climate change means the weather is not just small talk these days. People need to ensure they stay safe and look out for one another when it is hot. It is sadly not difficult to imagine how much higher these numbers could get in the future. We urgently need politicians to make sure we are better prepared for our new weather extremes and to tackle the pollution that is causing them. “