The 4th Health and Climate Change Adaptation Report (NHS England » 4th Health and climate adaptation report accessed 14/05/2025) states that
Climate change poses significant risks to both service delivery and healthcare infrastructure.
Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and shifting disease patterns place increasing pressure on health services and the physical infrastructure that supports them.
For example, extreme heatwaves can increase patient admissions for heat-related illnesses and increase risk of overheating in health facilities, putting additional pressure on emergency services.
Flooding and storms can disrupt the supply to, and operation of healthcare facilities, causing physical damage, leading to temporary closures, or requiring costly repairs, as well as impact on staff and patients.
The NHS has created a climate change risk assessment tool, and has also mandated that providers actively mitigate risks relating to climate change and severe weather.
In Northamptonshire the UKCP18 (UK Climate Change Projections) states that we will have warmer wetter winters and hotter drier summers with more extreme weather events.
Where we are now:
The main risks to NGH are outlined in the climate change Adaptation Policy. Whilst this has been sent for consultation to appropriate heads of departments there is no active monitoring of risks or incidents relating to climate change. ERIC reporting is completed relating to heat related incidents, but no trend analysis is completed. The main infrastructure risks associated with climate change to NGH involve increasing inundation and roof leaks during heavy rain as well as an inability to maintain low temperatures in all areas of the site due to ageing infrastructure and the increased storage of pharmaceuticals on wards. Between 2023 and 2024 increases in roof leaks due to heavy rain were threefold.
Our aims are to:
Adaptation Action Plan
|
| Action Complete the NHS Climate Change Risk Assessment |
Financial Investment Low |
When 2025 |
Responsible Department Sustainability |
| Action Update Adaptation Policy and Plan following completion of the risk assessment |
Financial Investment Low |
When 2026 |
Responsible Department Sustainability |
| Action Undertake a more detailed risk assessment for flooding across the site and services |
Financial Investment Low |
When 2026 |
Responsible Department Estates |
| Action Review of infrastructure for flood risk in line with latest UK Climate Projections |
Financial Investment Low |
When 2026 |
Responsible Department Estates |
| Action Create severe adverse weather plan in line with latest UK Climate Projections and UK Health Security Agency |
Financial Investment Low |
When 2026 |
Responsible Department Emergency preparedness, resilience and response |
| Action Reach Stage 2 on the NHS climate adaptation framework Trusts |
Financial Investment Low |
When 2028 |
Responsible Department Estates |
| Action Review cooling capability for critical infrastructure across site |
Financial Investment Low |
When 2026 |
Responsible Department Estates |
Measurement
Completed risk assessments
Number of incidents reported via datix
Number of incidents reported via the Estates helpdesk