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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