Full Breakdown
England’s NHS Grapples with Record Heatwave: Critical Incidents Across Multiple Trusts
6/25/2026, 8:46:25 PM
Heatwave Forces NHS Trusts to Declare Critical Incidents
On 24-25 June 2026, a heatwave reaching 38 °C forced Queen Alexandra Hospital (Portsmouth), Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals, and East Surrey Hospital to declare critical incidents after chiller, MRI, radiotherapy and IT failures disrupted care.
Background & Context
The Met Office issued a red heat-health alert; a 2025 report warned 90 % of NHS buildings are overheating-vulnerable.
Key Figures & Groups
The response involved Mark Orchard (Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust), Dr Hilary Williams (Royal College of Physicians), Tim Mitchell (Royal College of Surgeons of England), Chris Cobb (Queen Alexandra Hospital), and Dr Ed Cetti (Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust).
Timeline
From 23 June IT overload at Portsmouth, incidents were declared on 24 June at three trusts; some stood down on 25 June.
Data & Statistics
Geriatric wards hit 35 °C. Norfolk cancelled 254 appointments, reporting no MRI scanners. Hundreds of East Surrey patients were rescheduled. Two Portsmouth linear accelerators stopped; multiple chillers failed.
Impact on Patients and Staff
Doctors reported “awful conditions” and “unfit” wards; older patients collapsed or dehydrated, overcrowding rose, staff suffered sleep loss and fire-risk concerns. Staff reported sleep deprivation from night shifts and warned that using fans near oxygen could pose fire hazards.
Official Statements & Responses
Mark Orchard said unprecedented heat-wave pressure and chiller failures caused major disruption. Hilary Williams warned the NHS was dangerously underprepared. Chris Cobb noted estates teams seek cooling solutions but face short-term limits and also apologized to patients and staff for the disruption. Ed Cetti urged NHS 111 use.
Criticism & Calls for Investment
Tim Mitchell called outdated infrastructure a barrier to care, urging government investment for climate-resilient hospitals; physicians cite 90 % building vulnerability and also call for system-level reforms to embed climate resilience.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The unprecedented pressures created by the current heatwave, combined with the failure of a number of our chiller units, have led to significant disruption across several of our services,” — Mark Orchard, Deputy Chief Executive, Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust
- “There are reports of older patients arriving at hospital having collapsed or with dehydration.” — Dr Hilary Williams, Clinical Vice-President, Royal College of Physicians
- “Tim Mitchell, President of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, said: “Outdated infrastructure significantly affects care.” — Tim Mitchell, President, Royal College of Surgeons of England
- “We would like to apologise to everyone affected by this incident.” — Chris Cobb, Chief Operating Officer, Queen Alexandra Hospital
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Norfolk reported 254 cancelled appointments and no MRI scanners; other reports mention “hundreds” of cancellations. East Surrey later stood down its incident, but the patient impact remains unclear. Patient impact numbers remain unverified, and no official outcome data have been released.
What’s Next
NHS England and the Department of Health have not commented. Trusts pursue cooling fixes as the Met Office forecasts continued heat. Experts urge rapid climate-resilient upgrades and revised emergency protocols.
