British Red Cross shares lessons from Surrey hospital response as warm weather continues

As heat continues reaching around 27°C across Surrey over the coming week, the British Red Cross is sharing simple advice to stay safe. Just last month, the charity's local team put this guidance into action during a particularly demanding day at East Surrey Hospital, when an M25 crash and soaring temperatures created extra pressure at the same time. 

Lisa Lodge, Elena Weaver and Anne Butler from the British Red Cross Home from Hospital service recall how that day unfolded at the hospital.

A serious road traffic collision on the M25 caused severe and prolonged congestion during a Red Heat Alert, with temperatures soaring towards 40C. East Surrey Hospital's Emergency Department was already responding to high numbers of incoming patients, with a number feeling the effects of the extreme heat. In Redhill, hospital staff also faced delays getting to work, caught up in the same traffic as everyone else.  

The British Red Cross Home from Hospital service normally supports patients settling back in after being discharged. That day, a team happened to be on site. They stepped straight into the emergency department, helped patients stay hydrated, gave emotional support and freed up NHS staff to focus on clinical care. The team also were sent from the central hub to assist on the wards to keep patients hydrated and to help with meals. 

"We saw first-hand the pressure staff were under. They were working so hard. We saw many people who needed extra support. In hospitals you can feel how summer heat affects everyone," said Lisa Lodge, Service coordinator of the British Red Cross Home from Hospital service at East Surrey Hospital. 

The team had planned for a single shift, from 3pm to 7pm. Instead, it ran on long into the night. The pressure on the hospital didn't ease when the temperature did. The team came back for two more days. 

"That's the biggest lesson for us," said Elena Weaver, of the British Red Cross Home from Hospital service. “People often think the risk ends when the temperature drops. But we saw that the impact of a heatwave can last for days and services were still dealing with the pressure long after temperatures had started to fall.” 

Sarah Burton, Chief Nurse at Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust said: 

 “Our teams work hard around the clock to provide safe, high-quality care to our patients and keep services running. Volunteers play an incredibly important part in that too, and we were very grateful to the British Red Cross Home from Hospital service, who supported us throughout that week of extreme heat and pressure on our services. They provided additional hydration rounds, offered drinks and refreshments to patients and staff, and brought kindness, comfort, and reassurance during a very difficult time. We are extremely thankful for their support.” 

The British Red Cross says even once a heatwave eases, its effects on health can linger. 

"One of the biggest lessons from that week was the importance of looking out for each other," said Anne Butler, of the British Red Cross Home from Hospital service. "Some people became unwell simply because they were stuck travelling for much longer than expected. Others didn't realise how quickly dehydration can set in. Check in on an older neighbour. Carry a bit more water when you're travelling, as you might need to wait longer than usual. Make sure someone vulnerable has a cool place to rest. Small things can make a real difference." 

The charity is also encouraging people to plan ahead if they're travelling during hot weather. 

Editor's notes 

• The M25 crash: on 24 June, a road traffic collision on the M25 near Godstone caused severe and prolonged congestion during a Red Heat Alert, with some vehicles stationary for several hours. SECAmb responded to a number of patients, more than 10 of whom were conveyed to hospital, primarily with minor and heat-related conditions. 

About the British Red Cross

For over 150 years, the British Red Cross has helped people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. With millions of volunteers in over 190 countries, the British Red Cross is part of an international humanitarian Movement that’s there for people before, during and after a crisis. Together, we are the world’s emergency responders. www.redcross.org.uk