Patient dies at the James Paget during heatwave

A full investigation has been launched after the death of a patient at the James Paget University Hospital during last week's extreme heatwave.

A full investigation has been launched after the death of a patient at the James Paget University Hospital during last week's extreme heatwave.

The patient died on Saturday 27 June while being cared for on a ward at the Gorleston hospital. Following an initial review by the trust's medical examiner, questions were raised over whether the exceptionally high temperatures experienced across Norfolk could have played a role in the patient's death.

Jonathan Gardner, Executive Managing Director at the James Paget, said the trust's thoughts remain with the patient's family, who are being kept informed as the investigation progresses. He confirmed that a full review has been commissioned in line with national guidance to establish whether the hot weather was a contributing factor.

The death occurred during one of the hottest spells of weather ever recorded in the county. An amber heat-health alert was in force across much of England, with temperatures climbing into the mid-30s. In Lingwood, east of Norwich, the Met Office provisionally recorded 37.7°C, a reading that could become the highest June temperature ever officially recorded in the UK if it is verified.

The heatwave placed considerable pressure on local services, with schools closing early, businesses adjusting their opening hours and the East of England Ambulance Service declaring a Critical Incident as emergency call-outs surged. Health officials continue to remind people to take extra care during periods of extreme heat, particularly older people and those with existing medical conditions.