NURSES FAINTING IN ‘INHUMANE’ CONDITIONS DUE TO EXTREME HEAT, UNION WARNS

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has warned that nurses are collapsing during shifts amid what it calls “inhumane and impossible” conditions caused by extreme heat across NHS facilities. The union is calling for more air‑conditioners as Manchester and other areas face a summer of record temperatures, while Health Secretary Andy Burnham is under pressure to acknowledge the broader urgency of climate adaptation.

According to The Guardian, nurses are fainting repeatedly, leading the RCN to demand immediate investment in cooling solutions. Burnham said he was focusing on the immediate crisis of heat, but had promised to grapple with the “bigger questions” of adaptation after an emergency COBRA meeting. Labour backbenchers have urged him to fully recognise how the climate crisis is already biting into the health sector.

Extreme heat events are becoming more frequent in the UK, raising questions about how quickly health services can adapt. Burnham’s comments come amid broader political debate on climate resilience and the need for systemic changes.

• Nurses are fainting during shifts due to extreme heat, prompting the RCN to call for additional air‑conditioners.
• Andy Burnham acknowledges the immediate heat crisis while pledging to address broader climate adaptation questions.
• Labour backbenchers and the climate crisis are pressing for faster recognition and action on adaptation measures.

Read the original source for full detail available at The Guardian src