In light of temperatures reaching record levels across the capital an NHS trust issues a warning about dehydration.

The London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust said a third of patients admitted to Northwick Park Hospital in recent weeks were suffering the effects of dehydration.

It said over 500 people attend the hospital's Accident & Emergency department each day, rising to 950 across all the trust’s A&E and urgent care centres.

Dr Rachel Tennant, acute lead for emergency medicine, said: “The majority of patients coming into any hospital are elderly so it’s a real concern we are seeing so many cases of dehydration. It leads to a host of problems including dizziness, falls and fainting episodes.”

As a result, Northwick Park Hospital is seeing a rise in patients presenting with vomiting due to constipation and urinary tract infections.

The trust said due to dehydration people with lung conditions find mucus and saliva becomes thicker leading to increased breathlessness, while those on water tablets for heart conditions are at risk of dehydrating.

It added the tell-tale signs of dehydration include feeling thirsty, dark strong smelling pee, feeling tired or dizzy and dry mouth, eyes and lips.

Dr Tennant said: “A good rule of thumb is to drink little and often and try and eat more food with a high water content, such as melon and soups.

“If you have an elderly relative please keep an eye on them and make sure they are getting plenty of fluids. Yes, you end up going to the loo more but that is far better than being hospitalised.”