7:57am Tuesday 30th June 2009
By Joanna Codd
HEALTH chiefs have drawn up emergency plans and issued warnings as a predicted heatwave gets under way.
With Dorset and the New Forest sweltering on Monday, the Met Office predicted daytime temperatures could hit 30 degrees Celsius or higher in London, triggering an amber alert from the Department of Health.
The heat is especially dangerous for the very young, sick and older people, and can prove fatal in extreme cases.
A spokesperson for the Royal Bournemouth Hospital said: “Members of staff are ready to respond to an increase in demand. In the past, the emergency department has seen an increase in attendances when temperatures reach 30 degrees.
“It is generally the young, the elderly and those who have respiratory and heart conditions that are at most risk from hot temperatures, as well as individuals that are suffering from the effects of the sun, for example sunburn.”
John Mooney, spokesperson for NHS Bournemouth and Poole, said: “We are well prepared to care for those who have illnesses or conditions that are related to the increased temperatures.
“We strongly advise people to be sensible when it is hotter: keep drinking water, stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm, cover up and wear sunscreen. They can also help by keeping an eye on those who are particularly vulnerable to the effects of the heat.”
Hazel Walker, chief officer of Age Concern Bournemouth, said: “I imagine most elderly people will choose to stay indoors.”
The Department of Health is urging people to keep windows shaded and closed when the temperature is hotter outside than inside. Anyone concerned that a vulnerable friend, relative or neighbour’s home is too hot should contact their local council’s environmental health department.
In Dorset, there are fears that after two disappointing summers, holidaymakers and residents could be tempted to stay out too long in the sun, increasing their risk of skin cancer, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Rates of malignant melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, more than doubled between 1985 and 2006, and the south west has the highest incidence and mortality rate in the country.
Caroline Morgan, consultant dermatologist at Poole Hospital, which sees 100 new cases of melanoma each year, warned: “Getting sunburnt just once every two years can triple the risk of developing the most serious form of skin cancer.
“I see a lot of people who spend time outside in the sun and think that once they have a tan they are safe to give up sunscreen. A tan is actually evidence that the sun has already damaged the skin.”
Dr Ian Pearson, consultant dermatologist at the Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals. said early detection of skin cancer saves lives.
“Check to see if half the mole is different from the other half, if it has irregular or ill defined edges, if it has more than one colour in it or if its diameter is bigger than 6mm. Other signs to look out for are a new bump or nodule, colour spreading to surrounding skin, tenderness, bleeding or oozing,” he said.
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