HEALTH chiefs are closely monitoring the heatwave conditions amid fears it could lead to deaths.

They say it is too early to say if the current heatwave is causing deaths locally, but Wharfedale GPs and local authority staff have been urged to give health advice to vulnerable members of the community.

The four joint Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) in the Bradford District including Airedale PCT received a warning earlier this week from the Met Office.

The joint trusts' public health director, Dee Kyle, says studies in the past have shown that extremes of both hot and cold weather have caused the number of deaths to increase.

In a statement, the four trusts said: "We have asked our primary care staff, including GPs and staff at the local authority, to give advice to all patients and members of the public who may be vulnerable in particular the very young and very old on how they can keep cool in the heatwave."

They are passing on advice from the Department of Health on how to cope with the heat, including trying to stay out of the heat and if possible, avoiding going out between 11am and 3pm. The department also advises staying in the shade, wearing a hat and light, loose-fitting clothes, preferably made of cotton.

Other advice includes eating cold foods, particularly salad and fruit, taking cool showers or baths, and checking that older people have plenty of water to drink and have their house kept as cool as possible.

Patients are warned to watch out for symptoms of heatstroke, which include headaches, nausea, an intense thirst, sleepiness, hot red and dry skin, a sudden rise in temperature, confusion, aggression, or convulsions and a loss of consciousness.

Anyone with unusual symptoms during a heatwave is advised to contact their doctor, pharmacist or NHS Direct.

Anyone who suspects someone has heatstroke is advised to call 999 immediately.