There has been a surge of Lewisham and Greenwich pensioners coming into A&E during the heatwave, hospitals say.

The hot weather has led to dehydration, overheating, exhaustion and heatstroke which, if a patient is elderly, can make their symptoms worse.

Queen Elizabeth Hospital consultant Matt May said: "The recent very hot weather has caused health problems in our elderly population and we have been very busy caring for these vulnerable people. 

"Treatment involves replacing lost fluids and salts and most people recover very quickly following this.

"It is very important that elderly people drink enough fluids when the weather is hot and that they try and keep cool by staying out of the sun and drawing blinds and curtains so that their homes do not become overly warm.

" For anyone with an aged neighbour or relative I urge them to check that they are alright during this period of extreme heat."