Extreme heat is the leading cause of death and injury of any natural disaster. Sydney's west is much hotter than the east and that difference is expected to increase. It's leading to concerns that the healthcare system won't be able to cope during summer.
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00:00As Australia heats up, Greater Western Sydney is getting burnt.
00:05On some days, it's 10 degrees hotter in the west than the east.
00:09Most Australians are used to having hot summers, but what we're seeing now are summers that
00:14could be notably different to previous ones.
00:17Forecasts say it's only going to intensify.
00:21Extreme heat is the biggest killer among all the natural disasters in Australia.
00:28This is especially dangerous for those who can't avoid heat or have chronic illness.
00:34It pushes people who already possibly have medical conditions over the edge.
00:39Frankie Scott's daughter Stevie has chronic kidney disease.
00:43Last summer, Stevie was admitted to hospital six times.
00:46When it is quite hot, she does go downhill quite quickly.
00:50The rate of diabetes is higher across Greater Western Sydney than the state's average.
00:54This combined with a lack of green spaces and a rising population means an increased
00:59risk of harm from extreme heat.
01:01It's raised fears over how an already stretched healthcare system will cope.
01:07Many hospitals are working at a 100% occupancy rate.
01:11State and local governments have responded with steps like heat refuges and task forces.
01:17But experts say more is needed, such as climate-centric buildings and better health investment.
01:22For us to do more, we need more resources.
01:25Preventative care for heatwaves is really building a society that is healthier.
01:33In the meantime, Frankie is doing what she can to avoid future hospital visits.
01:38I feel like throwing my hands in there and going, what's the point?
01:41You know, but you keep doing it because I don't, I don't want her to die.
01:47Not an easy commitment as temperatures climb.
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