Over 428,000 A&E attendances in June alone: NHS London warns of exceptional pressure as extreme heat returns to capital
Health leaders are urging Londoners to take extra care this week as extreme heat continues to grip the capital — with temperatures set to remain high this weekend as England’s game on Saturday evening brings millions of people together to celebrate.
New figures published today reveal that London recorded 428,463 A&E attendances and 130,929 ambulance incidents in June — a month that ended with a heatwave across the capital.
During the heatwave, London Ambulance Service faced unprecedented demand, answering more than 8,800 emergency calls in a single day (Friday 26th June 2026) – the highest in its history. This included around 500 calls an hour between 6pm and midnight.
As London experiences another period of extreme heat, NHS leaders are warning that pressure on services is exceptionally high. With a major football occasion also ahead, they are calling on Londoners to use NHS services wisely, look out for those around them, and take simple steps to stay safe in the heat.
Dr Chris Streather, Regional Medical Director for the NHS in London, said: “Across May and June we saw a significant surge in demand, with over 16,000 more people attending A&E each month and more than 7,500 additional ambulance incidents compared to April — and our teams have risen to meet every one of them.
“Despite these exceptional pressures, NHS staff across London continue to work tirelessly to ensure that everyone who needs care receives it. I want to thank each and every one of them for their dedication during what has been an incredibly challenging period.
“Hot weather places real strain on both physical and mental health, and with temperatures reaching the thirties, it is more important than ever that people act early. We are here for you — but we urge Londoners to use services wisely and not to wait until they are in crisis before reaching out, especially when it comes to mental health.
“If you need support, please call NHS 111 and select option 2 for mental health. It’s the quickest way to get the right care, and it helps us protect emergency services for those who need them most.”
Craig Harman, Chief Operating Officer at London Ambulance Service, said: “Despite bringing in nearly 600 additional ambulance crews and increasing staffing across our 999 and 111 control rooms, demand was exceptionally high during the last heatwave.
“We remain very busy. If you’re enjoying the sunshine or cheering on England this week, please stay hydrated, drink responsibly and look after each other. Only call 999 if it is a life-threatening emergency.”
Heat safety tips
NHS London is urging Londoners to take simple steps to protect themselves and others:
- Spend time in the shade, especially between 11am and 3pm
- Wear a hat, sunglasses and loose, light clothing
- Use sunscreen SPF 30 or higher and reapply regularly
- Drink plenty of fluids regularly — don’t wait until you feel thirsty
- Avoid too much alcohol or caffeine
- Look out for others, especially those who may be more vulnerable
Use emergency services wisely
For non-emergency help, visit NHS 111 online at 111.nhs.uk or call 111. In a life-threatening emergency, always call 999.
Figures from: