Medical leaders in the United Kingdom have advised general practitioner (GP) surgeries to consider temporarily closing if indoor temperatures reach 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) due to increasing concerns over heat-related health risks and operational challenges. The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) issued the guidance amid growing recognition that rising temperatures, driven by climate change, pose a threat to both staff well-being and patient safety.
The recommendation, issued last month, highlights that prolonged exposure to high indoor temperatures can result in heat stress, decreased productivity, and a higher likelihood of medical errors. GP practices are encouraged to monitor room temperatures regularly using thermometers and to take proactive measures such as ending the day earlier, relocating to cooler premises, or suspending services if conditions become unsafe. The guidance suggests maintaining indoor temperatures below 26C (79F) for comfort but advises closing or relocating if temperatures reach 30C.
Dr. Angela Wilson, a GP and climate and sustainability lead for the RCGP’s Thames Valley faculty, emphasized the need for urgent adaptation in healthcare settings. “Heatwaves in the UK are increasing in frequency, intensity, and duration as a result of climate change,” the guidance states, underlining the importance of protecting healthcare staff and infrastructure during extreme heat events.
The advice comes amid challenges posed by NHS net-zero carbon policies, which restrict the use of air conditioning units in many healthcare facilities. Current NHS standards advocate minimizing mechanical cooling to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. Many GP surgeries are housed in older buildings where retrofitting air conditioning is difficult, costly, or contrary to carbon reduction goals. Instead, the guidance recommends alternative measures such as improved insulation, shading, window upgrades, and enhanced natural ventilation to regulate indoor temperatures.
The impact of heat extends beyond staff comfort. Experts warn that elevated temperatures can degrade medical equipment and compromise the integrity of blood samples, leading to inaccurate test results. Last summer, the NHS had to cancel some blood tests during heatwave conditions amid these operational constraints.
A recent survey by the Doctors’ Association UK found that 96 percent of responding doctors had limited or no access to air conditioning at work during a heatwave, and 85 percent supported the introduction of legal limits on workplace temperatures. Campaign group Rebuild General Practice has estimated that upgrading cooling infrastructure across all GP surgeries in England would require an investment of approximately £83 million.
Dr. Paul Evans, a GP based in Gateshead and spokesperson for Rebuild General Practice, noted that even modern, purpose-built NHS facilities are struggling to cope with higher temperatures. “The building we have was fit for purpose for the climate we had 12 years ago. It is not fit for purpose for the climate we now have,” he said. “We absolutely need to accept that the climate has changed and it’s going to keep getting worse. GP surgeries need to be adapted so they remain safe places for patients and staff, even during periods of extreme heat.”
The Royal College’s guidance advises GP practices to follow existing local protocols and to prioritize non-mechanical cooling strategies, balancing the need to maintain patient care with environmental sustainability goals as the UK faces an evolving climate landscape.