Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy noticeThe NHS must “immediately” prepare for heatwave pressures similar to those experienced during flu season, the health secretary has warned. Yvette Cooper said the growing health risks linked to climate change mean emergency rooms will continue to face significant challenges each summer. “I’ve been clear we now need to prepare for summer pressures in the way that the NHS for a long time has prepared for winter pressures. Dr Ross Thompson, principal environmental public health scientist at UKHSA, said: “These figures highlight the significant danger that very hot weather can pose to people’s health.