Amber Heat Alert for South West England
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office have issued an amber alert for the South West of England.
The amber alert indicates that the impact of the heat is expected to be felt by the wider population and will have an impact on the entire health service.
These alerts are in effect starting from today, 22 June 2026 until 23:59 Thursday, 25 June 2026.
During a heatwave contractors are asked to be aware of the following challenges:
Medicine Storage & Stock
- Ambient Temperatures: Monitor room temperatures closely. Most medications should be stored below 25 degrees Celsius. Keep them away from sunny windowsills and warm dispensary areas.
- Cold-Chain Management: Ensure fridges are strictly kept between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius and without overloading them. Pay immediate attention to cold-chain deliveries upon arrival.
- Visible Damage: Be vigilant for heat-damaged medicines. Creams and lotions may separate, capsules can melt, and liquids might separate or smell unusual.
- Medical Devices: Remind patients that devices like blood glucose monitors and test strips can give unreliable readings if used or stored in hot conditions.
The public may turn to community pharmacy teams for advice on staying well or for assistance if they are feeling unwell.
Public Health & Patient Advice
- Dehydration Signs: Educate the public on identifying signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, such as dizziness, confusion, headaches, and dark urine. A Government ‘Beat the Heat’ public health poster is also attached for displaying in pharmacies.
- Asthma Triggers: Remind patients with asthma to carry their preventer inhalers, as warm weather and high pollen can trigger symptoms.
- Order Early: Encourage patients to order their prescriptions early to avoid delivery delays caused by increased demand or extreme temperatures.
- The Government has also developed resources that contractor may wish to use and could be displayed in your pharmacy or shared online as a way to help communicate messages from the Government’s Adverse Weather and Health Plan and the UKHSA’s updated guidance on staying safe in hot weather.
Finally, please ensure you and your teams take adequate rest breaks and stay hydrated throughout the day.
Pharmacy Team
South West Collaborative Commissioning Hub
Hosted by NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB)
Working on behalf of all ICBs in the South West: BNSSG, BSW, CIOS, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset
