Carbon Brief, a well-known website specializing in climate and energy issues, has noted that its research into how heatwaves affect healthcare systems is still evolving. However, it has offered valuable insights into how unprepared many health systems are for extreme heat and the resulting impact on patients. As temperatures rise, healthcare systems already struggling with shortages of beds and staff face even greater strain. In the United Kingdom, like many other European countries, there have been several record-breaking heatwaves this year. Carbon Brief specifically examined two periods: May 22 to May 28 and June 18 to June 27. During these heatwaves, less than half of the public hospitals with surgical departments that were surveyed provided information about canceled procedures due to the heat. This lack of data may be because such information is not systematically collected, unlike death statistics. As a result, the actual number of canceled surgeries is likely much higher than what has been reported. However, from the 1,110 surgeries canceled in England and Wales during these periods, it is clear that non-emergency procedures were most affected. These included surgeries such as knee or hip replacements and eye surgery, which are typically scheduled in advance and not life-threatening. The list of cancellations also includes at least eight heart surgeries and seven skin cancer excisions, according to Carbon Brief. When asked about the impact of these cancellations, surgeon Richard Egan highlighted the consequences on waiting lists, noting that each additional week of delay could worsen a patient's condition. Hospitals cited "too hot and humid" conditions in operating rooms as the reason for cancellations, with some also mentioning concerns about infection risk and overheating for both patients and staff. A public health researcher emphasized that hospitals always prioritize urgent and life-threatening surgeries. He compared the experience of dealing with heatwaves to "a war," highlighting the severity of the situation. Extreme heat has serious effects on the human body, with the elderly being especially vulnerable. Recent studies suggest that at least 35,000 excess deaths occurred in Europe during the heatwaves of 2026, underscoring the need for better preparedness and response strategies in healthcare systems facing increasingly frequent and intense heat events.