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Table 6.5: Health Outcomes in Heat Waves (2001-2012)
% change in heat wave events
Hospital admissions
Total
-5%
Mental health related
+4.5%
Renal health related
+5.3%
Heat related
+3.9 times
Emergency department presentations
Total
+3.1%
Mental health related
+8.2%
Renal health related
+15%
Heat related
+4.3 times
Data Source: Department of Health (unpublished data)
6.17.1. Summary
x
Heat wave events are associated with higher rates of emergency department presentations and
mortality.
x
There are certain temperature thresholds above which mortality starts to dramatically increase.
x
Heat-related, mental health and renal disease outcomes are most affected by heat wave events.
