COUNTY council bosses have issued guidance to social services managers across Oxfordshire to ensure the elderly do not suffer health problems during this week’s heatwave.

With Met Office forecasters predicting temperatures will remain warm until the weekend, safety advice was issued to care homes around the county.

Social and community services director John Jackson said: “The county council’s adult social services department is acting in accordance with guidelines issued by the Department of Health during this warm weather spell.

“Working with the Primary Care Trust, social services staff continue to distribute advice to people deemed to be at risk, and to the managers and staff at care homes.

“Officers have identified people who might be at extra risk during a heatwave and are arranging phone calls or visits to these people if appropriate.

“The key message is to keep cool by wearing loose-fitting cotton clothing, having plenty of water at hand and staying out of the heat.

“Health and social care staff have been made aware of risk and protective factors. Carers have been advised to contact their GP if they are concerned about an individual’s health. The main point of contact for adult social care services in Oxfordshire are on 0845 050 7666.”

Helen Chivers, a spokesman for the Met Office, said the temperature reached 28C (82F) today, at the weather station at RAF Brize Norton.

The weather will continue to be humid tomorrow, with a maximum temperature of 28C predicted. On Thursday, the hot spell will continue, but the temperature will fall to 26C.

Sunny weather and showers are predicted for the weekend.