Adaptation
The 4th Health and Climate Change Adaptation Report ( NHS England » 4th Health and climate adaptation report accessed 14/05/2025) states that
- Climate change poses significant risks to both service delivery and healthcare infrastructure.
- Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and shifting disease patterns place increasing pressure on health services and the physical infrastructure that supports them. For example, extreme heatwaves can increase patient admissions for heat-related illnesses and increase risk of overheating in health facilities, putting additional pressure on emergency services.
- Flooding and storms can disrupt the supply to, and operation of healthcare facilities, causing physical damage, leading to temporary closures, or requiring costly repairs, as well as impact on staff and patients.
The NHS has created a climate change risk assessment tool and has also mandated that providers actively mitigate risks relating to climate change and severe weather.
In Northamptonshire the UKCP18 (UK Climate Change Projections) states that we will have warmer wetter winters and hotter drier summers with more extreme weather events.
Where we are now:
To date there has been no formal review of risks relating to climate change at KGH other than in the plans for new buildings and major refurbishments. Overheating events are monitored in line with the ERIC guidance and leaks from roofs through the Estates FM Management System; in 2024/25 there 97 calls relating to roof leaks, many following the major storms that occurred in that year.
Our aims are to:
- Increase the awareness of risks associated with climate change
- Ensure the site is prepared for changes in climate
Action |
Financial Investment |
When |
Responsible Department |
| Complete the NHS Climate Change Risk Assessment | Low | 2025 | Sustainability |
| Write and implement an Adaptation Policy | Low | 2026 | Sustainability |
| Undertake a more detailed risk assessment for flooding across the site and services | Low | 2026 | Estates |
| Review of infrastructure for flood risk in line with latest UK Climate Projections | Low | 2026 | Estates |
| Create severe adverse weather plan in line with latest UK Climate Projections and UKHSA | Low | 2026 | EPPR |
| Reach Stage 2 on the NHS climate adaptation framework Trusts | Low | 2028 | Estates |
| Review cooling capability for critical infrastructure across site | Low | 2026 | Estates |
Measurement
Completed risk assessments
Adaptation Policy
Number of incidents reported via datix
Number of incidents reported via the Estates helpdesk