Healthcare unions have called for additional guidance and support measures to help protect staff working in hospitals and community care settings during Ireland’s recent period of high temperatures.

The issue has gained attention as healthcare workers report challenging conditions in some facilities, particularly in older buildings where ventilation and airflow can be limited during periods of sustained heat.

Representatives of health service unions have urged the Health Service Executive (HSE) to remind managers of their responsibilities regarding workplace conditions and employee wellbeing when severe weather events occur. The call reflects growing awareness of how rising temperatures can affect both healthcare workers and the delivery of patient services.

Among the measures highlighted are improvements to ventilation, access to drinking water, additional rest opportunities and other practical controls designed to reduce the effects of heat exposure in clinical environments.

Workplace temperature management is becoming an increasingly important health and safety consideration across many sectors, but healthcare settings can face unique challenges. Hospitals and care facilities often operate continuously, while clinical requirements, patient needs and building design constraints can limit the range of measures available to manage indoor temperatures.

The discussion also highlights the broader implications of climate-related risks for employers. Higher temperatures can contribute to fatigue, reduced concentration and discomfort, creating additional pressures for organisations responsible for maintaining safe and effective working environments.

The HSE said it is aware of the risks associated with elevated temperatures and has implemented controls where appropriate to protect staff and patients. Current measures focus on recognising heat-related illness, maintaining hydration and ensuring suitable responses are available when required.

As periods of extreme weather become more frequent, organisations across the healthcare sector may increasingly review workplace resilience strategies to ensure facilities, policies and operational procedures remain effective during high-temperature events.

The latest discussion reflects a growing recognition that climate-related workplace risks are becoming an important consideration for workforce wellbeing, service continuity and long-term health and safety planning.

Read more about healthcare workplace safety measures during extreme heat in the original report.