GP practices could close if temperatures continue to climb to sweltering highs, fresh guidance suggests.The Royal College of GPs has made the extreme recommendation to keep doctors and patients safe in the ongoing heatwave.The UK is currently battling its fourth spell of scorching weather, with temperatures reaching 34C on Wednesday.The heat is expected to ease off slightly before picking up again next week and reaching 27C in some parts of the country.The medical body has published a series of guidelines on its website for family doctors, advising 'closure or relocation if indoor temperatures reach 30C (86F) inside'.It comes amid scores of accounts from patients who say they're struggling to see their GP. Around a third of all appointments take place over the phone, NHS data shows.A recent poll found that one in three elderly patients were forced to fill in online forms by their doctors surgery, which put many off booking an appointment.Patients have told of waiting months to see a GP, with some claiming their health deteriorated as a result. GP practices should consider closing or relocating if indoor temperatures reach 30C, health leaders have advisedAs well as potential closures, the Royal College guidance advises clinic staff to 'use thermometers to check room temperatures frequently – for comfort, temperatures should be below 26C.'High indoor temperatures in sweltering conditions can leave staff dehydrated, stressed and more likely to make errors in judgment, the RCGP said.Vulnerable patients are also more susceptible to the adverse effects of heat, increasing the risk of dehydration, stroke and organ failure. As such, the college is advising practices to take extra measures to keep their premises cool, and fast track high-risk patients for same-day appointments in hot weather. GP surgeries should also consider earlier start times to avoid the hottest part of the day, the RCGP's guide reads. It comes as the Doctors' Association UK called for a maximum legal working temperature in GP surgeries in June, after a survey of NHS staff saw 83 per cent of staff describe their workplace as 'very' or 'dangerously hot'. Earlier this month, surgeons admitted they were having to stop operations part way through due to dehydration, dizziness and risk of fainting.