Nurses on heatwave hospitals – maggots, death, and patients dripping in sweat, tell me about this news in (https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/other/nurses-on-heatwave-hospitals-maggots-death-and-patients-dripping-in-sweat/ar-AA2cty6M?ocid=BingNewsVerp)

A survey by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) involving nearly 2,500 nursing staff revealed alarming conditions in NHS hospitals during record-breaking summer heatwaves, with temperatures on some wards soaring up to 44C.

According to the survey testimonies:

• Patient Deterioration and Death: Nurses reported that extreme heat in “suffocating atmospheres” directly contributed to the deterioration and deaths of vulnerable patients, particularly the elderly and those with respiratory or heart conditions.

• Shocking Ward Conditions: Accounts highlighted severe cases including cancer patients dripping with sweat during chemotherapy treatments, and a palliative care case where a patient’s chronic ulcers attracted flies and developed maggots due to the heat.

• Impact on Staff: Nurses themselves suffered in the sweltering conditions, with reports of staff fainting, collapsing from dehydration, experiencing seizures, and working in outdated buildings lacking adequate ventilation or cooling systems.

The RCN used these findings to call for urgent, long-term government investment in NHS infrastructure and cooling facilities to ensure safe and dignified care during future heatwaves.