An investigation by Carbon Brief into heat-related surgery cancellations at NHS hospitals in England and Wales revealed that more than 1,000 procedures were postponed during record heatwaves in May and June. The cancelled operations included 167 orthopaedic surgeries such as knee and hip replacements, as well as cardiac procedures, eye surgeries, and skin cancer removals. At least 10 emergency operations for life-threatening conditions were also cancelled due to extreme heat, while another 18 surgeries had to be abandoned mid-way through procedures.
The investigation sent freedom-of-information requests to 140 NHS trusts to assess the impact of high temperatures on surgical cancellations. Fifty-nine trusts provided details of the 1,110 cancellations across two heat-warning periods, though researchers noted the actual figure is likely substantially higher since less than half of trusts responded and many hospitals do not routinely record heat-related disruption data. Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust reported the highest number of cancellations at 140 cases, with other significant concentrations in south Essex, parts of London, and the West Midlands.
According to medical experts, high temperatures disable the complex ventilation systems installed in operating theatres that control airflow, humidity, and contamination levels. When these systems fail above certain temperature thresholds, hospitals cannot guarantee patient safety and must cancel procedures. Of the trusts providing specific reasons for cancellations, most cited theatres being “too hot and humid,” with 48 cases explicitly attributing problems to air conditioning or ventilation units that were either broken or unable to maintain appropriate temperatures.
Medical professionals emphasize that cancelled surgeries cause significant distress to patients, many of whom have already endured lengthy waiting periods. Each postponement can worsen patient conditions and substantially impact surgical waiting lists. The cancellations underscore broader strain on the NHS during extreme heat events, compounding existing challenges including staff shortages and bed capacity issues across the healthcare system.
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