The NHS across the South East has continued to deliver for patients despite one of the hottest summers the region has experienced in recent years adding significant pressure to services, with hospitals, ambulance teams and community services responding to exceptionally high demand throughout July.

Across the South East, there were just over 382,000 A&E attendances in July, compared to just over 370,600 in July last year, and up on 370,501 in June 2026.

Despite the exceptional demand on urgent and emergency care, 77.2% of patients were seen, treated or discharged within four hours, up from 76% the month before, showing the continued efforts of NHS staff to provide timely care even in challenging conditions.
Ambulance services in the region also responded to over 62,800 Category 2 emergencies, as hot weather contributed to more people experiencing breathing difficulties, dehydration and heat‑related illness.

Meanwhile, during what is shaping up to be one of the busiest summers in NHS history, the proportion of patients in the South East starting planned treatment within 18 weeks was 64.5%, up from 61.5% at the same time last year, with teams working hard to maintain progress on elective recovery despite an additional 3,200 people being referred for treatment since June.

NHS England South East Medical Director Dr Daghni Rajasingam said:

“The hot weather has made day-to-day working more challenging for staff right across the South East, while also driving up pressure on services as more people come forward with heat‑related illness.

“But teams are showing real determination – seeing more patients, more quickly, and continuing to make progress on waiting times and A&E performance despite the surge in demand.

“With temperatures peaking today, please take sensible precautions: keep hydrated, avoid the sun during the hottest part of the day if you are clinically vulnerable, and check in on older or vulnerable friends, relatives and neighbours.

“While the NHS is busy, it is here for anyone who needs it. Please continue to call 999 in a life‑threatening emergency and otherwise use NHS 111 online or by phone for urgent medical advice.”

The public are encouraged to take sensible precautions to keep themselves well during the hot weather including drinking plenty of fluids, staying out of the heat where possible and avoiding strenuous physical activity or exercise.

People with non‑emergency medical concerns are encouraged to use NHS 111 online as their first point of contact or use the Pharmacy First service for a range of common conditions included infected insect bites, earaches and sore throats.