Keeping Our Clients Safe During a Summer of Extremes

A Huge Thank You to Our Incredible Team

August has certainly been a summer to remember, with another heatwave, exceptionally dry conditions and
increasing wildfire risks across England. Temperatures reached the high 30s in parts of the country, while
almost three-quarters of England is now officially in drought.

These extreme conditions have created additional challenges for everyone working in health and social care,
particularly when supporting vulnerable people who may require additional assistance during an emergency.

Despite these challenging conditions, our MMT Healthcare team has continued to demonstrate the professionalism,
compassion and dedication that makes our organisation special.

Every day our care staff have continued to put the safety and wellbeing of our clients first, helping them stay
hydrated, keeping properties cool, monitoring their wellbeing and adapting activities to suit the weather.

Our priorities during the extreme weather have included:

• Encouraging clients to stay hydrated
• Monitoring vulnerable clients for signs of heat-related illness
• Keeping homes and rooms as cool as possible
• Adapting activities around the weather
• Following individual care and emergency plans
• Supporting clients and colleagues during challenging conditions
• Remaining alert to the increased risk of wildfires

As temperatures begin to fall, it is important to remember that the risks have not necessarily disappeared.
Ground and vegetation remain very dry, meaning wildfire risk can remain elevated even after temperatures have
dropped. Staff should continue checking weather conditions, fire risk and official warnings when planning
activities with vulnerable clients.

Every Drop Counts

The ongoing drought has also highlighted the importance of using water responsibly. We are encouraging everyone
to look for simple ways to reduce unnecessary water use, such as turning off taps, taking shorter showers,
reporting leaks and only boiling the amount of water that is needed.

However, saving water must never come at the expense of infection prevention, hygiene or client care.
We should always use water when it is required for safety and wellbeing.

Wildfire Safety — Stay Alert

With prolonged hot and dry conditions, grassland, woodland and other vegetation can become extremely dry and
ignite quickly. A wildfire can threaten homes, cut off roads, produce dangerous smoke and make it difficult
for staff to reach vulnerable clients.

If you see an active wildfire threatening people, property or infrastructure, call 999 and
ask for Fire and Rescue. Keep your distance, protect the client if it is safe to do so, follow emergency
instructions and never attempt to tackle a spreading wildfire yourself.

Raise the Alarm → Protect the Client → Evacuate → Report to MMT

Colleague of the Month — Congratulations Panashe!

Congratulations to Panashe, our Colleague of the Month for July.

Panashe has been recognised for his exceptional diligence, awareness and commitment to the people we support.
His ability to identify potential risks, raise concerns and proactively find practical solutions has helped
protect clients from issues that could potentially have resulted in infections or other complications.

His caring, attentive and supportive approach has also received brilliant feedback from the people we support.
Thank you, Panashe, for your continued hard work, professionalism and commitment to delivering high-quality care.

Looking After Ourselves Too

Extreme weather can be tiring, so we also want to remind everyone to take care of themselves. Stay hydrated,
get enough rest, take time to decompress after difficult shifts and speak to your manager if you are struggling.

Looking after yourself is not selfish. It helps you continue looking after others.

Below is our Newsletter for August, which provides more information and insight into the latest happenings at
MMT Healthcare, including heat health, drought, wildfire safety, staff wellbeing and our summer challenge.
Please take a look below for more information.

From Everyone at MMT Healthcare Ltd

Thank you for your professionalism, compassion, vigilance and resilience throughout this challenging summer.
Your dedication makes a real difference to the lives of the people we support and their families.

Stay cool, save water, stay alert and stay safe!