Make air conditioning or proven cooling systems a mandatory requirement in all nursing and residential care homes. Introduce maximum indoor temperature standards for care settings.

We call on the UK Government to introduce legislation requiring all nursing homes and residential care homes to install and maintain effective air conditioning or equivalent cooling systems in resident bedrooms, communal areas, and staff working areas. Many residents are at high risk of heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and worsening of existing medical conditions. Care staff could also become unwell while working long shifts in these excessive temperatures, making it harder to provide safe, high-quality care.