Nurses across the UK reported encountering severe challenges during recent heatwaves, including finding maggots in patients' wounds, according to a survey of 2,471 nurses conducted by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN). The survey highlighted that high temperatures significantly impacted patient care, with some patients experiencing worse health outcomes. One nurse described seeing maggots in wounds as patients deteriorated in the sweltering conditions on NHS wards during the summer. The RCN has urged the government to invest more in helping hospitals manage the effects of extreme heat. Nurses reported temperatures reaching up to 44°C in some wards, with patients suffering more from the heat than their original medical conditions. Older patients were particularly affected, with reports of dehydration and fainting. Nurses also noted that patients with heart failure and respiratory conditions were especially vulnerable, with some unable to cope with the high temperatures in poorly ventilated areas. In one hospital in the East of England, a nurse described patients with heart failure sitting in a new ward where temperatures exceeded 30°C and windows were blocked. In Wales, a nurse mentioned that two frail patients' deaths were directly linked to the extreme heat, although it was not the sole cause. In London, a nurse reported increased respiratory distress in newborns due to the heat, while in the South East, high temperatures were said to slow wound healing and reduce mobility, making even rest a struggle. A nurse working in palliative care in the South West described a patient with chronic ulcers whose wounds became so infected during the last heatwave that they attracted flies and maggots. The patient and their family had disturbing final memories involving the presence of maggots in the wounds. Another nurse treating cancer patients in London noted that patients were visibly sweating during chemotherapy, with no air conditioning available in the unit, raising safety concerns. Nurses also reported increased behavioral challenges among mental health patients, leading to more assaults on staff. Over 74% of those surveyed expressed little confidence that the government is adequately addressing the impact of climate change on the NHS and social care. Earlier this month, Freedom of Information data revealed that over 1,000 operations were cancelled due to the heat during record-breaking heatwaves in May and June. The RCN's chief executive, Professor Nicola Ranger, emphasized the urgent need for investment in cooling facilities to prevent further harm to patients. The Department of Health has been contacted for a response.