The North West’s medical director has warned people to take precautions in the warm weather ahead of next week’s junior doctor’s strike.

Dr Michael Gregory, Regional Medical Director for NHS England – North West, said there were many precautions which could be taken to help keep people well during the warm weather and avoid putting pressure on services ahead of the industrial action, which takes place from 7am on Wednesday,14 June to 7am on Saturday, 17 June.

The three-day walkout of junior doctors comes as new data showed A&Es across the country have just experienced the busiest May on record.

Dr Gregory said: “While many people enjoy warmer summer weather, hot weather can cause some people to become unwell through overheating (becoming uncomfortably hot), dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

“We’d advise people to keep out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm. If you are going to do a physical activity, for example exercise or walking the dog, plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler such as the morning or evening.”

Dr Gregory also suggested drinking plenty of fluids, applying sunscreen and limiting alcohol intake.

“Hot weather can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, lung problems and other diseases. Older people, babies and young children are more likely to be unwell from hot weather because their bodies are less able to regulate temperature. People with underlying medical conditions can also be vulnerable to the effects of hot weather,” he added.

“Many of the harms linked to heat exposure are preventable if a few simple actions are taken.”

People who are at higher risk of becoming seriously unwell include:

• older people aged 65 years and over (note change from previous guidance of 75 years of age and above)
• babies and young children aged 5 years and under
• people with underlying health conditions particularly heart problems, breathing problems, dementia, diabetes, kidney disease, Parkinson’s disease, or mobility problems
• people on certain medications
• people with serious mental health problems
• people who are already ill and dehydrated (for example from diarrhoea and vomiting)
• people who experience alcohol or drug dependence
• people who are physically active and spend a lot of time outside such as runners, cyclists and walkers
• people who work in jobs that require manual labour or extensive time outside
• people experiencing homelessness, including rough sleepers and those who are unable to make adaptations to their living accommodation such as sofa surfers or living in hostels.
• people who live alone and may be unable to care for themselves

“You should continue taking all of your prescribed medicines unless advised not to by a medical professional. If you have any health concerns, please call NHS 111. Some medications need to be stored below 25°C or in the fridge, following the storage instructions on the packaging,” added Dr Gregory.

“There are some further precautions that people can take if tempted to swim during the warm weather.

“Swimming pools, rivers, lakes, or the sea can be a fun way to cool down when the weather is hot, however summer months are also associated with an increase in drowning accidents.”

The following advice can help to keep you safe when swimming:

• always look for warning and guidance signs
• only enter the water in areas with lifeguard cover
• never enter the water after drinking alcohol
• wear a buoyancy aid or life jacket if you are doing an activity out on the water or at the water’s edge such as boating or fishing
• be aware that open water can be much colder than it looks which can lead to cold water shock
• get out of the water as soon as you start to feel cold
• swim parallel with the shore, not away from it
• always go swimming with someone else so you can help each other out