The devastating wildfires seen across parts of the UK this summer including those affecting communities around Stourbridge have highlighted the very real risks that extreme heat can pose to health and wellbeing.
With climate experts predicting that heatwaves are likely to become more frequent and intense in the years ahead, healthcare leaders are now inviting local people to help shape practical solutions that could help residents stay safe, comfortable and healthy during future periods of extreme heat. The ‘Helping People Stay Safe and Healthy During Heatwaves’ public workshop will take place online via Microsoft Teams on Friday 6 November from 1.30pm to 2.30pm.
Hosted by The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust on behalf of a partnership of NHS, academic and community organisations working together to address one of the most pressing health challenges posed by climate change. The workshop aims to seek input for a research study to be delivered in collaboration with people from across Birmingham and the Black Country. By combining research expertise with lived experience, the project aims to create practical, evidence based approaches that improve support for older adults living with urological conditions, protect healthcare staff and strengthen the resilience of health and care services during periods of extreme heat.
The workshop will bring together patients, carers, community members, healthcare professionals and academics to explore how hot weather affects different groups of people and identify simple, effective solutions that could be used in homes across the Black Country. The event will focus particularly on the experiences of people living with long-term health conditions and those who care for them. Participants will have the opportunity to share their experiences, discuss challenges and help shape future research into practical cooling solutions that can improve health outcomes during periods of extreme heat. Attendees will also hear from a consultant urologist, a senior lecturer in public health and a senior lecturer in product design from Nottingham Trent University, combining their expertise to explore new ways of helping people remain safe during heatwaves.
Helen Codd, engagement lead at The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, said: "This summer has shown just how significant the impact of extreme weather can be on our communities. From prolonged spells of very hot weather to the wildfires that affected parts of our local area, many people have experienced firsthand the challenges that rising temperatures can create. As our climate continues to change, there is every reason to believe that heatwaves will become an increasingly important public health issue. That means we need to start preparing now and, crucially, involve local people in designing the solutions.
"This is a really innovative project because it moves beyond simply identifying problems and focuses on practical answers. We want to develop ideas that ordinary people can realistically and affordably adapt in their own homes by next summer to help protect themselves, their families and those living with long-term health conditions. Whether you are a patient, carer, healthcare professional or community member, your experiences and ideas could help shape solutions that benefit people across the Black Country for years to come."
Insights gathered during the workshop will help inform future guidance, training and the development of home based cooling solutions designed around the real needs of patients and communities. Anyone interested in attending or finding out more is asked to email dgft.involvement@nhs.net to reserve a place.