Supporting Staff and Service Users Through the Heatwave

Temperatures across the country reached high levels during the recent heatwave. Quality Healthcare Solutions (QHS) responded with guidance for staff and service users across Havering Borough to manage the heat safely.

Heat illness doesn't always start with sweating or feeling hot. Signs include confusion, fatigue, clammy skin, shallow breathing and dizziness. QHS trained carers to spot these signs early and act fast.

When a service user shows signs of heat illness, carers move them to a cooler area in the shade, encourage more fluids and apply cool damp cloths to the neck when needed.

Guidance for staff working in warm conditions

QHS asked staff working in warm or hot conditions to follow these steps:

- Take regular breaks and find a cool spot when possible
- Stay hydrated. Check your urine colour as an easy way to track your hydration levels
- Watch for signs of heat stress and dehydration. Take a break before symptoms start, such as thirst, dry mouth or dark, strong-smelling urine
- Use a buddy system with your team to look out for signs of heat stress, such as confusion, pale or clammy skin and fast breathing
- Stay cool between shifts to give your body time to recover

Support for care workers

QHS offered free bottled water with added electrolytes to help care workers stay hydrated during the warm period. One staff member commented, “Thanks for thinking about us and our wellbeing during this challenging weather” Melanie Krishnan – Home Care Worker.

QHS also introduced these measures:

- More frequent rest breaks in shaded rest areas
- Free access to cool drinking water bottles for all staff
- A shaded area in the office meeting room

Managing Director Tajinder Singh Bains said the “wellbeing of staff and service users remains a top priority during extreme weather”. QHS continues to review guidance and support measures as conditions change across Havering Borough.