An air conditioning unit at Wales' children's hospital has failed ahead of one of the hottest days the country has ever experienced. Engineers are urgently trying to fix a fault with the system which is affecting the chemotherapy area of the Rainbow Ward at Noah's Ark Children's Hospital in Cardiff.
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board confirmed that if it cannot be fixed, an alternative ward will be used for the treatment. A spokesman added that the Noah's Ark Charity is providing cold water and ice lollies for children and families at the children's hospital.
One member of staff at the hospital, who wished not to be named, said they were worried for the wellbeing of patients, their families and workers. They said: "Staff at Rainbow ward are extremely concerned and worried about upcoming heatwave. Staff are extremely busy and heating has been broken for months with nobody doing anything about it. On a normal day ward is boiling but upcoming heatwave conditions will be unbearable and dangerous."
Read more: Weather and heatwave live updates as extreme temperatures hit UK
In response, a spokesman for Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, said: "On our paediatric oncology Rainbow Ward, the in-patient ward area is at an ambient temperature and has been throughout the current heatwave. However, we do have some issues with our day case chemotherapy area where the air cooling system is not working adequately.
"Engineers are working on fixing the fault as quickly as possible. The health board has identified available space to facilitate day cases in an alternative ward area if the air cooling system is not able to be fixed. We apologise to patients, visitors and staff who may have been affected.
"Due to the weather warning and anticipated high temperatures, the health board has made a number of temporary changes to guidance including uniform policy to support staff in continuing to provide high-quality, safe and effective care. Thanks to Cardiff and Vale Health Charity, free refreshments such as ice creams and ice lollies will be available for staff across several sites.
"Our staff will continue to ensure our patients and visitors are comfortable are well cared for. Noah’s Ark Charity will also kindly be providing cold water and ice lollies for children and families at the Children’s Hospital for Wales."
A Met Office amber warning of extreme heat is in place between July 17 and 19, with temperatures expected to reach as high as 37 degrees in parts of Wales. Meanwhile, parts of England are subject to a red warning for extreme heat on Monday and Tuesday - the first time such a warning has ever been issued by the Met Office in the UK.
Travel disruption is expected across Wales, while the Welsh Government is urging people to take extra precautions and to plan ahead to keep themselves and others safe.
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