Publish date: 15 June 2023
The NHS in London is under significant pressure at the moment, in particular A&E departments, with patients facing long waits.
This is largely due to industrial action, however, issues have been exacerbated by the recent hot weather, high pollen counts and the high level of air pollution.
With this in mind, the NHS is encouraging Londoners to use NHS 111 online as well as local services like general practice and pharmacies in the first instance.
However, if they’re in a life-threatening emergency they should always dial 999.
A spokesman for the NHS in London said: “The NHS in London has been preparing extensively for this week’s strikes, but with industrial action, the hot weather and a high air pollution alert currently in place for the capital, our emergency services are already extremely busy.
“Current hot weather and high pollen counts coupled with the high level of air pollution means that there may be immediate health impacts for those with pre-existing conditions which affect their breathing - such as asthma.
“For this reason, it’s important that Londoners use our services wisely, using NHS 111 online as well as local services like general practice and pharmacies as first points of call for care, but people should always use 999 in a life-threatening emergency.
“And of course, we want people to enjoy the hot weather but enjoy it safely, by keeping hydrated, staying protected from the sun and keeping your home nice and cool. No one wants an avoidable trip to A&E.”
The NHS is providing some top tips on how to prevent yourself from becoming unwell during the current climate.
Tips for coping in hot weather:
- Keep out of the heat if you can.
- If you have to go outside, stay in the shade especially between 11am and 3pm, wear sunscreen, a hat and light clothes, and avoid exercise or activity that makes you hotter.
- Cool yourself down. Have cold food and drinks, avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks, and have a cool shower or put cool water on your skin or clothes.
- Keep your living space cool. Close windows during the day and open them at night when the temperature outside has gone down.
Tips if hot weather sets off your asthma:
- Keep taking your regular preventer inhaler so you’re less likely to get symptoms. And carry your reliever inhaler with you at all times so you’re ready if symptoms do come on.
- Go for regular asthma reviews to check you’re on the right meds for you, and you’re taking your inhalers in the best way to get the benefits through the summer months.
- Use your written asthma action plan so you know what to do if hot weather triggers symptoms.
- If you’re using your reliever inhaler three or more times a week, or you’ve noticed the hot weather’s made your symptoms worse, book an extra catch-up with your doctor or asthma nurse.
- Keep inhalers in a cool place out of direct sunlight so they continue to work well. Try keeping your reliever in a cool bag when you’re out and about on a hot day. Don't add any ice to the bag though, because your inhaler needs to be kept dry.
- Keep an eye on pollen forecasts and find out more about why staying on top of your hay fever symptoms with antihistamines is good for your asthma too.
- Plan any outdoor activities for earlier in the day when the air quality tends to be better, including exercise.
Tips if you have hayfever:
- Your local high street pharmacy can help with advice and over the counter medicine around hayfever.
- Wear wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen getting into your eyes
- Shower and change your clothes after you have been outside to wash pollen off
- Stay indoors whenever possible and keep windows and doors shut as much as possible
- Vacuum regularly and dust with a damp cloth
- do not cut grass or walk on grass or keep fresh flowers in the house
- do not smoke or be around smoke – it makes your symptoms worse
- do not dry clothes outside – they can catch pollen