MEDICS have warned people to stay safe in the sun as forecasters say the heatwave is set to continue.
Staff at West Middlesex Hospital's A&E and the urgent care centre on site have already had to treat a number of patients with conditions including heat stroke and major burns.
They have urged people to take a series of 'common sense' precautions to avoid coming a cropper.
Dr Zul Mirza, consultant in emergency medicine at West Mid, said: "People are generally aware of the dangers but because (hot weather) doesn't happen often they forget and want to spend all their time in the sun."
He said the most common problems were severe burns and dehydration, which can cause dizziness, headaches and in extreme cases unconsciousness, with the very young and very old most at risk.
He offered the following advice:
* Use a high factor sun cream
* Drink plenty of water
* Don't stay in the sun for too long, especially between midday and 3pm
* Be aware that even a light breeze can mask the sun's true strength
* If you start feeling sick or dizzy go to a cool place
* Check on your elderly neighbour
Public Health England yesterday issued a level 3 heatwave alert.
It urged people to wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothes, keep medicines below 25C or in the fridge and never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.
Temperatures peaked at 32.2 degrees in London yesterday and the hot weather is expected to continue at least until the start of next week.
Belinda Mackenzie, lead nurse at Hounslow Urgent Care Centre, run by Hounslow & Richmond Community Healthcare (HRCH) NHS Trust, said it had seen a number of patients, expecially over the weekend, suffering from conditions as a result of the high temperatures.
"While the heat persists, we advise members of the public to be prepared, take extra care of themselves and look out for others," she said.
"Keep an eye on isolated, elderly, ill or very young people and make sure they are able to keep cool and if possible, check on elderly or sick neighbours, family or friends every day.
“You should also take precautions such as having plenty of cold drinks and limiting time in the heat. If you do have to go out in the heat, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a sun hat."
Hounslow Council said its social care teams would be checking up on at-risk individuals, including the elderly, while schools were also being offered advice.
Councillor Shantanu Rajawat, cabinet member for health, urged people to do their bit by checking up on any elderly neighbours.
For more advice on staying safe in the heat, visit www.hounslow.gov.uk/hotweather or call 020 8583 5110.
