The National Health Service (NHS) in England experienced its busiest summer on record during June, July, and August, under significant strain from a series of five heatwaves and rising demand for emergency care. Official figures show that approximately 7.3 million people attended accident and emergency (A&E) units over the summer months, marking the highest total ever recorded for this period. This represents an increase of around 240,000 attendances compared with the same months in 2025 and nearly one million more than in 2022.
The surge in emergency cases has coincided with record-breaking temperatures across the UK, raising concerns about the impact of extreme heat on public health and the capacity of the NHS. Ambulance callouts also reached record numbers, with 2.46 million during the summer—up from 2.32 million last year. Additionally, the NHS 111 advice line answered just over 3 million calls, an increase of more than 100,000 year-over-year.
Health officials and experts have described the situation as a “twin crisis,” with the NHS now facing sustained pressure during both summer and winter months. Sarah Woolnough, chief executive of the King’s Fund health thinktank, emphasized that extreme heat has become a significant challenge for the health service beyond just a weather event. She noted that the NHS faces little opportunity to recover between seasonal peaks due to escalating demand driven, in part, by climate change and record-breaking heatwaves.
Patients with respiratory conditions have been particularly affected by heat-related health problems. Andrew McCracken, director of external affairs at the charity Asthma + Lung UK, pointed out that rising temperatures, prolonged pollen seasons, wildfire smoke, and trapped pollution exacerbate breathing difficulties, contributing to increased emergency admissions related to asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
The Health Secretary, Yvette Cooper, acknowledged the shifting nature of NHS demand, stating that extreme pressure is no longer confined to winter and hailed NHS staff for their efforts in managing the record patient numbers. Cooper announced a £1.5 billion NHS funding package aimed at expanding hospital capacity through new operating theatres, children’s wards, and maternity units, alongside measures to “heat-proof” NHS facilities. However, only a small portion—reported between £23 million and £32 million—has been allocated to addressing heat resilience specifically. The Department of Health and Social Care has also established a heat taskforce to develop strategies to help the NHS cope with future extreme heat events.
Despite the record summer activity, the NHS waiting list for hospital treatment rose to 7.3 million in July, its highest level since October of the previous year. This increase has cast doubt on the government’s pledge to treat 92% of patients on the waiting list within 18 weeks by 2029.
Healthcare professionals have expressed concern about the ongoing pressure, with some citing low staff morale and insufficient structural remedies to address the service's challenges. Dr. Vicky Price, president of the Society for Acute Medicine, described the relentless operational strain and the difficulties in maintaining staff welfare while meeting patient needs.
As the NHS prepares for the coming winter, experts warn the service faces considerable challenges ahead, grappling with the compounded effects of climate change on public health and service delivery.