A PLAN intended to strengthen Jersey’s health service against future heatwaves has been pushed back until next year – following a summer in which extreme temperatures disrupted hospital services.
Health and Care Jersey’s 2026 annual plan included work on resilience planning for major health threats, but its latest progress update shows that the heatwave element has now been rescheduled to 2027 and remains under development.
The delay follows problems at the General Hospital during this summer’s prolonged hot weather.
Operating theatres were closed for three weeks during the heatwave, which Health said had undermined progress made in reducing lengthy waiting lists.
Temperatures also became uncomfortable on wards, with Robin Ward reaching 29°C despite measures intended to keep patients cool.
Health said it identified 25°C “cool zones” for patients most in need of them, while other measures included moving patients, deploying portable air-conditioning units and providing cold drinks and ice lollies.
A pandemic response plan included in the same area of work has, however, been completed.
