Staying safe and well during the hot weather 

13th August 2026

With high temperatures forecast across Leinster, we are encouraging patients, visitors and members of our community to take some simple steps to protect their health. 

Hot weather can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Older people, babies and young children, pregnant women and people with long-term health conditions can be particularly vulnerable. 

Keep cool and hydrated 

• Drink water regularly, even if you do not feel thirsty. If you have been advised to restrict your fluid intake, continue to follow the guidance given by your healthcare team. 
• Avoid excessive alcohol, as it can contribute to dehydration. 
• Stay out of direct sunlight, particularly between 11am and 3pm. 
• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. 
• Close blinds or curtains in sunny rooms during the day and open windows when it is cooler outside, where it is safe to do so. 
• Turn off lights and electrical equipment that are not needed, as they generate additional heat. 
• Check regularly on older relatives, neighbours and anyone who lives alone or may need help to stay cool and hydrated. 
• Never leave a baby, child or pet in a parked vehicle, even for a short time. 

People with heart, lung, kidney or other long-term conditions, and those taking regular medication, may need additional care during very hot weather. 

If you are unsure whether heat or dehydration could affect your condition or medicines, speak to your GP, pharmacist or healthcare professional. Do not stop or change prescribed medication without professional advice. 

Attending the hospital during hot weather 

If you are travelling to an appointment, allow for the heat during your journey and bring water with you where appropriate. 

If you have been asked to fast, restrict fluids or follow particular instructions before a procedure, continue to follow the advice given by your healthcare team. 

Please tell a member of staff if you begin to feel dizzy, weak, nauseous or otherwise unwell while you are in the hospital. 

Protect your skin 

UV radiation can damage your skin even when it does not feel extremely hot. Follow the SunSmart advice: 

• Slip on clothing that covers your skin. 
• Slop on broad-spectrum sunscreen: SPF 30 or higher for adults and SPF 50 or higher for children. 
• Slap on a wide-brimmed hat. 
• Seek shade, particularly between 11am and 3pm. 
• Slide on sunglasses with UV protection. 

Know the signs of heat-related illness 

Signs of heat exhaustion can include: 

• Excessive sweating 
• Dizziness or headache 
• Nausea 
• Muscle cramps 
• Weakness or fatigue 

If someone develops these symptoms, move them to a cooler place, remove unnecessary clothing, offer water or a rehydration drink and cool their skin with cool water, a fan or damp cloths. Stay with them and monitor how they are feeling. 

Call 112 or 999 if the person remains unwell after 30 minutes of cooling and fluids, or develops signs of heatstroke such as confusion, altered behaviour, seizures, loss of consciousness, a very high temperature or hot, dry skin. 

Further information is available from the HSE’s guidance on heat exhaustion and heatstroke and the SunSmart programme.