Patients died in 'suffocating' heatwave conditions on NHS wards, nurses say

Patients died and others deteriorated in "suffocating atmospheres" because of the summer heat on NHS hospital wards, a survey has found.

The poll of 2,471 nurses uncovered incidents of cancer patients dripping with sweat during chemotherapy, and in one case maggots in a wound.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) survey said the record-breaking heat had affected patient care and resulted in poorer outcomes.

It has called for more government investment so hospitals can cope in warm weather.

One children's ward in Yorkshire reached 44C, according to a nurse who was surveyed.

Another nurse in the North West said the situation was "horrendous" with patients "suffering more from the effects of heat than the actual reason they are in hospital".

Another said patients fainted, and others suffered dehydration, particularly older people.

The survey uncovered reports of people with heart failure and respiratory conditions, who seemed to fare worse because of the heat.

A nurse in the East of England described "patients with heart failure sitting in over 30C heat and a new ward with blocked windows".

A nurse in Wales said: "We had two frail patients for whom the extreme heat directly impacted their deaths.

"Whilst it was not the only cause, if you are in respiratory failure, the heat is a death sentence."

Another nurse said: "I have actually cried for them [patients]. It's inhumane. I don't think a veterinary surgery would be allowed to operate under such conditions."

In one London hospital, a nurse said the heat contributed to increased respiratory distress in newborn babies.

Another in a South East NHS hospital said high temperatures meant "wounds heal slower, mobility declines, and the simple act of resting becomes a battle against suffocating heat".

RCN chief executive Professor Nicola Ranger said: "This testimony reveals the devastating impact of extreme heat on patients, with increased death, deterioration, and conditions in services which, frankly, are an assault on people's right to dignified, safe care.

"The reality is that climate change is here, but long-term underinvestment in our health and care services has left them so unprepared.

"Staff did everything they could in record-breaking temperatures to keep patients safe and comfortable, but they were fighting a losing battle in buildings which often lack even the most basic cooling facilities. It's been incredibly traumatic."

She added: "We are all aware of the pressures that winter brings, but extreme heat is here to stay, and the clock is now ticking to accelerate investment in hospitals, care homes and other settings to ensure they are prepared.

"This summer was our warning. By next, we need everywhere to have effective cooling facilities in place, or patients will suffer shocking harm once again."

A palliative care nurse working in a South West hospital said: "We had a palliative patient with chronic ulcers on the ward.

"In the hospital's care, during the last heatwave, the wounds festered enough that they attracted flies and were found to have maggots.

"Some of his and his relative's last memories will be knowing of and, in his case feeling, maggots in his wounds."

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A nurse treating cancer patients in London said: "I've seen patients sweating and dripping due to the heat during chemotherapy.

"There is no air conditioning running in the unit. During one particularly hot period, patients were visibly sweating throughout their treatment. This feels like a safety concern, not just a comfort issue."

Multiple nurses also reported mental health patients becoming more challenging, leading to more assaults on staff.

Some 74% of the nurses polled said they had little or no confidence that the government was taking sufficient action to reduce the impact of climate change on the NHS and social care.

The Department of Health has been contacted for comment.

(c) Sky News 2026: Patients died in 'suffocating' heatwave conditions on NHS wards, nurses say