Published: Wednesday, 1st July, 2009 1:00pm

Health bosses' heatwave warning

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HEALTH bosses have urged the public to "keep cool" this week as Reading is put on a level three heatwave alert.

With temperatures expected to top 30C, health chiefs have issued the first "heat health" warning of the summer, based on a national heatwave plan.

Reading was moved up from a level two to a level three alert by the Met Office on Wednesday.

NHS Berkshire West deputy chief executive Helen Mackenzie said: 'The heatwave plan, and its advice and guidance, will help save lives. High temperatures can be dangerous, especially for the elderly, the very young, and people with chronic or long-term medical conditions. In alert level two, you don"t need to take immediate action but if the level of alert is raised, more information will be issued.'

The key advice is to plan ahead. Stock up with supplies so you don"t need to go out during extreme heat. Think about what medicines, food and non-alcoholic drinks you"ll need. Keep plenty of water to hand and stay in the shade whenever possible. When at home, identify the coolest room in the house.

Health bosses have also urged those who run care homes and hospitals to monitor indoor temperatures four times a day, prepare cool areas, ensure they have enough staff to help keep residents and patients cool and make sure everyone has access to enough cold water and ice.

The plan was created after high temperatures across Europe during the summer of 2003 claimed an estimated 27,000 lives including some 2,000 excess deaths in the UK - mostly among people aged 75 and over.

For more advice visit www.nhs.uk