13 June 2023

The air pollution in London is forecast to go above "Low" on the Defra Daily Air Quality Index. This is the advice for a High air pollution alert, based on Defra's national Daily Air Quality Index.

Anyone experiencing discomfort such as sore eyes, sore throat or cough should consider reducing activity, particularly outdoors. 

Adults and children with lung problems, and adults with heart problems, should reduce strenuous physical exertion, particularly outdoors *, and particularly if they experience symptoms. People with asthma may find they need to use their reliever inhaler more often. Older people should also reduce physical exertion.

Londoners may consider checking air pollution levels if they are planning moderate or heavy exercise, especially if they have a respiratory or cardiovascular condition. In particular they should avoid walking, jogging or cycling along busy roads with lots of traffic, especially at rush hour.

Further information on air pollution in London and what the Mayor is doing to improve it is available here.

NHS services

Emergency departments (A&E) at all hospitals in the London area are also under significant pressure and patients are facing very long waits. 

For this reason, it’s important that Londoners use NHS services wisely, using NHS 111 online as well as local services like general practice and pharmacies as first points of call for care, but people should always use 999 in a life-threatening emergency. 

CNWL services are open and appointments are going ahead as normal – we’ll call patients if we ever need to change an appointment.