Summer is a wonderful time that brings holidays, family trips and time outdoors, giving many people a welcome change of routine. But healthcare needs often remain the same. As a practicing pharmacist myself, I've seen how something as simple as forgetting to pack medicines properly, or leaving them in a hot car, can throw a patient's treatment off track.
This year's spells of exceptionally hot weather have highlighted the impact rising temperatures can have on patient wellbeing and the medicines they rely on. Against this backdrop, the MHRA has launched its five-week "Summer-proof your health" campaign, encouraging people to consider how warmer weather, travel and changes in routine can affect the safe use of medicines.
The campaign makes an important point that many medicine-related risks come not from unusual circumstances but from everyday activities, such as alcohol on holiday, altered medication schedules, or medicines stored incorrectly while away. Small changes like these can have a real impact on treatment outcomes.
The MHRA is encouraging people to read medicine information, understand how routine changes may affect treatment, and consult healthcare professionals when they are unsure.
For many patients, we remain the most accessible healthcare professionals in the NHS. No appointment is required, and we're often the first point of contact for health advice, especially when something feels slightly off. Throughout the warmer months, we support patients with hydration, sun protection, travel health, and medicine storage.
Temperature management is a particular concern. Many medicines should be stored below 25°C, while others need refrigeration to stay effective. In hot weather, they can easily be exposed to excessive heat in parked cars, luggage or direct sunlight, making storage awareness increasingly important as heatwaves become more frequent.
What can pharmacies do to support patients?
- Advise on correct medicine storage, especially products needing refrigeration.
- Identify vulnerable patients, including older people, those with multiple long-term conditions, and those on medicines that increase sensitivity to heat.
- Offer travel health guidance, including pre-travel prescriptions and managing medicines across time zones.
- Promote hydration and advising when further medical support is needed.
- Check for interactions between over-the-counter medicines, supplements, and alcohol.
- Use services like the NHS New Medicine Service, Pharmacy First and medicines reviews to support outcomes.
As trusted healthcare professionals, community pharmacy has a vital part to play in the everyday moments when patients need quick and reliable advice, especially when heading off on holiday.
As extreme weather becomes more frequent, the role of community pharmacy in safeguarding patient health will only grow. By combining preventative advice and medicines expertise, we can help patients stay safe over the hotter periods and truly enjoy their summers.
