Minister highlights hospital heat problem as petition gathers pace - Jersey Evening Post
by Megan Davies · Jersey Evening PostPosted inNews
Minister highlights hospital heat problem as petition gathers pace
by Megan Davies 30 June 202630 June 2026
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HEAT-related disruption to hospital operations was among the key challenges of the next political term highlighted by the Health Minister yesterday morning – as a petition calling for air conditioning throughout Jersey’s Hospital passed 2,500 signatures.
As Senator Tom Binet was re-confirmed in the role on Monday, he pointed to having “a hospital that loses operating theatre capacity every time we have a heat wave” as one of the “major” issues that would need to be addressed.
The online petition, which has now attracted more than 2,500 signatures, was launched after patients – including children – endured temperatures above 30°C during this year’s two most recent heatwaves, while around 200 operations were postponed.
The majority of the Hospital, the JEP understands, does not have air conditioning.
Last week, a mother staying on Robin Ward with her baby told the JEP that conditions were “unbearable” as the Island’s all-time temperature record was broken.
Medical Director Simon West said last week that portable air-conditioning units had been deployed around the Hospital, but their use was limited by the building’s ageing electrical infrastructure, which risked fire hazards and overloaded systems.
The petition argues that the lack of air conditioning “creates an unsafe environment for both staff and patients and [needs] to be changed”.
It quickly passed the 1,000-signature threshold required for a ministerial response. If it reaches 5,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in the States Assembly.
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