More children have been admitted to Birmingham Children's Hospital with severe sunburn than any other year during the recent heatwave, doctors have warned.
Surgeon Mr Maien Moiemen said they have seen three serious cases in the past two weeks as the region basked in temperatures of more than 30C.
West Midlands Ambulance saw a massive increase in 999 calls last weekend due to the hot weather, and they're expecting the same this weekend. Last week they had more than 3000 calls.
East Midlands Ambulance Service says their calls are up 15% on what they would expect from an average day.
The Royal Derby Hospital have put their heatwave plan into action - that means cool rooms are available for 'high risk' patients, temperatures are measured four times a day, and extra water is on hand.
The elderly and carers must take extra care in the heat, care home Anchor Trust advised today, as temperatures continue to soar.
Carl Martin, Wellbeing Manager at Anchor’s West Hall has issued the following advice in keeping cool in the heat:
- In the heat, older people should drink plenty of fluids.
- Stay away from tea, coffee and alcoholic drinks as these are dehydrating.
- Eat foods that retain water, so plenty of fruit, vegetables and salad.
- Older skin has less elasticity so can be more sensitive to the sun - they should use a once a day suncream that is photostable.
- Sun hats and sunglasses are a necessity.
- It is important to check in on elderly neighbours and friends in the heat.
- Hot weather can be as dangerous as cold weather.
- Enjoy the sun in moderation.
The Met Office has extended the heat health warning over north western England, yesterday the warning was raised to an amber level 3 warning in Southwest and West Midlands.
The Met Office has confirmed that today is the hottest day of the year with temperatures exceeding 30C.
Public Health England have said there was a small increase in reports of heat related illness from Monday 8 July to Sunday 14 July, in line with the recent warm weather.
The conditions ranged from heat/sun stroke, sunburn, dehydration or exhaustion.
The increases were predominantly noted across the East of England, South West and South East Coast regions of England, and were reported across all age groups.
The finding was based from data on GP consultations (in hours and out of hours), NHS helpline calls and A&E attendances to monitor the effects of the heatwave on people's health.
Sales of dog paddling pools, deodrants and ice lollies are all soaring as the heatwave looks set to enter another week.
- Sales of deodorants were up 17.5 per cent according to Superdrug
- Amazon said sales of dog paddling pools had surged while a brand of dog sun wipes were up by 295 per cent
- Sales of ice lollies increased by 310 per cent, according to Waitrose
The Met Office say the West Midlands is likely to be the most affected by the heatwave over the next 24 hours.
They've increased their warning from level 2 to level 3. Level three means action needs to be taken by healthcare providers to target high-risk groups like the elderly.
The East Midlands remains on level 2 alert.