Heatwave level 2 indicates that whilst we are not in a heatwave at present, there is a 60% chance that temperatures will reach 30 degrees or more which would trigger a level 3 alert.

At this stage all NHS providers are tasked with doing the following:

Professional staff (all settings):

· Check high-risk people have visitor/phone call arrangements in place

· Reconfirm key public health messages to clients

·  Check client’s room temperature if visiting

Care Homes and Hospitals

· Check indoor temperatures are recorded regularly during the hottest periods for all areas where patients reside

· Ensure cool areas are below 26 degrees

· Review and prioritise high-risk people

· Ensure sufficient cold water and ice

· Consider weighing clients regularly to identify dehydration and rescheduling physio to cooler hours

· Communicate alerts to staff and make sure they are aware of heatwave plans

· Ensure sufficient staffing

· Implement business continuity

As with previous heatwave alerts, please can the UCB operational leads check with and receive assurance from your acute and community providers that these actions are in place, and that your social care colleagues have also cascaded this information to their care homes and staff.