Ambulance service reports 21 deaths during June heatwave
Heatwave-related incidents led to delays and contributed to multiple fatalities
The South Central Ambulance Service has reported that 21 patients died and nine were seriously harmed during the summer heatwave in June while the service was under extreme pressure.
Board papers indicate the issuance of 39 duty of candour letters, as part of the service's legal obligation to openly communicate with affected patients and their families in cases of harm or death.
Professor Helen Young, Chief Nurse at South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, said: "I am deeply sorry for the distress and harm experienced by our patients and families during the heatwave, which caused extreme pressure on our services and our partners in NHS."
She added: "I know the impact of these delays was profound for those patients and families waiting for an ambulance. We offer our heartfelt condolences to those affected and our sincere apologies where our service did not meet the standard people expected."
Young stated that every patient and family identified through the review was contacted individually, offered an apology, and given the opportunity to be involved in the review process.
A red extreme heat warning was issued by the Met Office on 22nd June, leading to unprecedented pressure on both 999 and 111 services in the days that followed.
On 25th June, the service declared a critical incident, escalating to a major incident on the 26th until it was resolved on the 28th.
During the peak on 25th June, a spike in call volumes left ambulances struggling to reach patients, with the data centre overheating and causing further delays in response and treatment.
Young acknowledged the ongoing investigations and reviews, including Coroners inquests, stating: "Given the ongoing investigations and reviews, including Coroners inquests, it is not yet determined that in all cases the delay experienced was a contributory factor to the patient's death, but we are committed to fully investigate and learn from anything we become aware of, to improve the care we offer to patients."
An analysis by the UK Health Security Agency linked an estimated 2,124 deaths nationwide to the heatwave.
Young has emphasized the need to continue offering support to patients, families, and staff throughout the investigations, ensuring that everyone's experience is heard: "We know this heatwave was unprecedented, but we will use all these experiences to prepare for future heat and weather events. We have also shared our early learning with other ambulance services in the NHS."
The affected patients mostly had severe conditions like breathing difficulties, unconsciousness, and falls.