Climate Change Poses Resilience Risk to NHS Healthcare Infrastructure

Climate change is now threatening the resilience of healthcare infrastructure. The NHS has experienced operational disruptions this summer, including delays in urgent procedures caused by high humidity in operating rooms and heightened risks of critical technology failures. The service is also under strain from seasonal illnesses and worsening pre-existing conditions during colder months.

Over 28% of the NHS estate dates back to 1975 or earlier, meaning many crucial healthcare facilities were designed for a different environment. This aging infrastructure presents significant challenges to maintaining operational resilience against changing climate conditions.