- NHS data revealed that average daily A&E attendances reached a record 81,264 in June, marking the first time such a high figure has been recorded.
- This surge in demand coincided with a heatwave that saw temperatures hit 37.7C in parts of the UK and prompted red health heat alerts across England.
- NHS national medical director Professor Frankie Swords stated that summer is now placing as much pressure on the health service as winter, with staff facing an "onslaught of demand".
- The increased strain led to several hospitals declaring critical incidents, including University Hospital Southampton, which had to cancel planned operations and some outpatient appointments.
- Beyond A&E, the NHS also experienced a 10 per cent rise in 999 calls and over a 7 per cent increase in ambulance incidents compared to the previous June, contributing to an overall waiting list for planned care that grew to 7.28 million in May.
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