An investigation by Carbon Brief revealed that more than 1,000 operations at NHS hospitals across England and Wales were cancelled due to extreme heat during record-breaking heatwaves. The cancellations occurred over two periods—22-28 May and 18-27 June—when amber and red heat warnings were in place. The procedures cancelled ranged from routine hernia operations to more complex surgeries including at least eight heart operations, seven skin-cancer removals, and 10 emergency procedures classified as life-threatening.
The investigation was conducted through freedom-of-information requests sent to 140 NHS trusts and health boards. Of these, 59 trusts provided data detailing the 1,110 heat-related cancellations. Researchers acknowledged that the figure likely represents a significant underestimate, as fewer than half of the trusts surveyed provided this information, with many indicating they do not routinely record heat-related disruptions. The cancellations were concentrated in regions that experienced the highest temperatures, particularly Surrey and Sussex, south Essex, and parts of London, with Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust reporting the most cancellations at 140.
The primary reason for the operational disruptions was the failure of ventilation and air-conditioning systems in surgical theatres when temperatures exceeded certain thresholds. These complex systems are engineered to dilute airborne contaminants, remove anaesthetic gases, and control heat and humidity levels—functions essential for maintaining sterile operating environments and ensuring patient safety. When these systems fail due to extreme heat, hospitals cannot guarantee the conditions necessary for safe surgery, necessitating cancellations.
Medical professionals highlighted the broader impacts of these cancellations beyond the immediate statistics. While most cancelled surgeries were elective procedures scheduled in advance, the interruptions contributed to extended waiting lists and potential deterioration of patients’ conditions. Additionally, the cancellations reflected an already strained healthcare system facing concurrent challenges including staff shortages and insufficient bed capacity, with heat imposing additional operational constraints during critical periods.
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