Heat-Health Alerts – Are You Prepared?

With periods of hot weather becoming more frequent, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has published updated Heat-Health Alert Action Cards for health and social care providers. These provide practical guidance to help services prepare for and respond to hot weather, protecting both patients and staff.

For podiatrists, particularly those working in community, domiciliary and care home settings, key considerations include:

Identify patients at higher risk

• Older adults.
• People with diabetes, peripheral arterial disease or cardiovascular disease.
• Those with reduced mobility or cognitive impairment.
• Patients taking medications that may affect hydration or temperature regulation.

Support hydration
Encourage patients to drink fluids regularly (where clinically appropriate) and be alert for signs of dehydration, particularly during longer appointments or home visits.

Adapt your working environment

• Keep clinics as cool as possible by using ventilation, blinds or air conditioning where available.
• Consider scheduling vulnerable patients earlier in the day when temperatures are lower.
• Ensure domiciliary staff have access to drinking water, sunscreen and suitable PPE for hot conditions.

Be alert for heat-related illness
Watch for symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, headache, weakness, rapid pulse or reduced urine output. Patients showing signs of heat exhaustion may require prompt intervention, while suspected heat stroke is a medical emergency.

Consider medication and wound care
Hot weather may affect medication storage and can increase the risk of wound deterioration, dehydration and infection. Encourage patients with diabetic foot ulcers or other high-risk conditions to monitor their feet closely and seek advice promptly if concerns arise.

Review your business continuity plans
Practices should consider how extreme heat may affect staffing, travel, clinic environments and service delivery, particularly if Heat-Health Alerts escalate from Yellow to Amber or Red.

The UKHSA action cards outline recommended actions for Green (preparedness), Yellow, Amber and Red Heat-Health Alert levels and are a useful resource for all podiatry services.

You can read the full guidance here:
Heat-Health Alert action card for health and social care providers