A 3rd of Brits frightened about impression of local weather disaster on hospital affected person security
EXCLUSIVE: More in Common data showed high levels of concern, with 75% worried about the impact that high temperatures will have on the NHS’s ability to treat patients
The extreme dry weather produced kindling for wildfires across the UK(Image: PA Wire)
The public want Andy Burnham to take strong action on climate change to protect kids and hospital patients, new polling has revealed.
After a summer that saw a record five heatwaves and wildfires spread across the country, More in Common data showed high levels of concern, with 75% worried about the impact that high temperatures will have on the NHS’s ability to treat patients, and 63% concerned about schools’ ability to teach pupils.
Seven in ten of those polled said the UK should roll out solar-powered air conditioning in schools and hospitals, with 37% saying the government and taxpayers should foot the bill, with 22% saying it should be paid for by multinational oil and gas corporations.
Three in four would support installing solar-powered air conditioning in schools and hospitals, while around two in three (69%) would support a new legal maximum indoor working temperature of 30 Celsius.
There was also support for councils being required to open free, cool public spaces with air conditioning during heatwaves, backed by 65%.
The survey was commissioned by climate change non-profit Global Witness, who are now calling for fossil fuel companies to pay more tax to fund climate adaptation and mitigation.
Global Witness senior campaigner Flossie Boyd said: “Our schools and hospitals should be keeping people safe, but this summer many of us lost sleep worrying about our loved ones in baking hot classrooms and wards. MRI scanners cut out in the heat, teachers reported classrooms hitting 40 degrees and kids fell sick in sweltering school buildings.
“It’s scandalous that as people’s lives were put at risk this summer, the oil giants turbo-charging extreme heat were raking in sky-high profits, pushing for more dirty drilling and lower taxes.
“If Burnham wants to stand up for families and working people, he should stand up to oil giants, tax them fairly and use the proceeds to fund the climate preparedness Britain desperately needs – like solar-powered AC to protect the most vulnerable.”
BMA council chair Dr Tom Dolphin said: “Health services have seen more patients coming through their doors because of the heat, and this demand, coupled with the outdated state of NHS buildings has made working throughout the heatwaves unbearable for large groups of staff, making their ability to provide safe and high quality care incredibly difficult.”
“While traditionally summer was a time when the NHS services and staff could rebuild and rest, we’re now facing year-round pressures with no let-up – something extreme temperatures are only making worse.
“The NHS urgently needs funding to make healthcare buildings both greener and fit-for-purpose so that they can cope with the rapidly changing climate while not contributing to it.”
