The Royal College of Nursing says calls to its advice service during the August heatwave included reports of nursing staff working in unsafe heat and poorly ventilated areas.

The reports received by the RCN included staff collapsing, a heat related seizure and pregnant staff working where temperatures were above 30C. Callers also described poorly ventilated work areas.

These accounts are evidence reported to a professional body through its advice service. They do not establish how often such incidents occurred across the NHS or wider care system.

The RCN has used the reports to press for employers to address excessive indoor temperatures and to protect staff who are working through periods of extreme heat.