The World Health Organization is calling on Europe to prepare its hospitals and health systems for a warming climate.
Data from five countries shows nearly 10,000 excess deaths linked to extreme heat this summer. Dr. Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, stated that heat has claimed more than 200,000 lives in the region over the past four years.
"Heat deaths are not inevitable," Dr. Kluge said, emphasizing that communities can be warned early and health systems can be prepared.
WHO has issued new guidance to help countries strengthen their Heat-Health Action Plans. These plans connect weather alerts to public health measures like outreach to vulnerable populations and surge planning in hospitals.
Hospitals can overheat during heatwaves, causing power and cooling systems to fail while admissions rise. Cities are especially at risk due to the urban heat island effect.
In Romania, Buhuși Hospital has established a designated cool space for heatstroke patients and is seeking funding for a building-wide cooling system.
The United Kingdom's Adverse Weather and Health Plan uses a color-coded alert system. Officials issued amber and red alerts this year as temperatures reached record highs.
WHO's Hospital Safety Initiative is helping countries across Europe assess and improve their facilities' resilience to climate and weather risks, including extreme heat.