Glastonbury Festival: NHS plea as Heat Health Alert continues
People are being advised to look out for signs of heat exhaustion as a yellow health alert is put in place in the South West
Last updated 26th Jun 2024
As thousands of people descend on Somerset's Worthy Farm over the next few days for Glastonbury Festival - we're being urged to stay alert to the hot weather, as the West Country basks under a yellow Heat Health Alert.
Across the region, temperatures are expected to hit 29 degrees in places - with us all reminded to look out for the signs of heat exhaustion, with health concerns being raised - especially with older people.
Heatwaves two years ago led to an estimated 4,500 people across the country dying - many of them over 70 years old.
This all comes amid a series of walkouts in the NHS in the coming days - with health bosses in Bristol, Bath and Somerset all asking people to 'choose services wisely' to ease pressure on services.
The industrial action has been planned by junior doctors, and takes place from 07:00 on Thursday 27 June until 07:00 on Tuesday 2 July.
The NHS in Somerset say they are 'committed' to keeping disruption to their services to a minimum, especially with Glastonbury Festival also taking place.
Regardless of any industrial action taking place patients who need urgent medical care should continue to come forward, especially in emergency and life-threatening cases – when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk.
Dr Bernie Marden, Chief Medical Officer, NHS Somerset said, “We know that services will be under pressure this week. “The NHS in Somerset is working hard to keep people safe and to keep the disruption to its services to a minimum, but we ask people to help us to help them by choosing the right service for their needs and to take steps to keep themselves well.
“With Glastonbury Festival also taking place this week and expected warm weather, we are sharing a few reminders about simple steps people can take to look after themselves, and stay healthy and well.”
Tips on staying well
In the warmer weather, we're told that hot weather can cause some people to become well through overheating, dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Some of the NHS' top tips include:
- Keep out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am-3pm
- If this is not possible, make sure you wear appropriate clothing, including a hat, seek shade and apply sunscreen
- Drink plenty of fluids– water and diluted squash are good choices. Swap sugary drinks for diet, sugar free or no sugar varieties
- Limit alcohol, which has a dehydrating effect on the body – understand the symptoms of dehydration
- Check in on friends, family and neighbours who may be at higher risk of becoming unwell
People heading to Glastonbury Festival
Somerset Council’s Public Health team and the UK Health Security Agency have shared some guidance on staying safe and well during the festival - and are also reminding us all to use NHS services wisely.
People should only call 999 if it is a medical or mental health emergency, and for medical care and advice, you're asked to visit 111 online first.
For a minor health condition, you can visit local pharmacist, and for symptoms that won’t go away, call your GP.
For minor injuries or urgent but not life-threatening conditions such as sprains, fractures, and burns you can visit a local Urgent Treatment Centre, and if you're struggling with your mental health - help is available through Open Mental Health which offers support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
You can also contact Mindline Somerset locally on 01823 276892 or freephone 0800 138 1692.
Industrial action updates can be found here.
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