UK’s health leaders warn of ‘health emergency’ over energy cost

The NHS Confederation appeals to the UK government to help the most vulnerable with the spiraling cost of energy. British health leaders have made an unprecedented appeal to the government to help the most vulnerable with the spiralling cost of energy to prevent a “public health emergency” this winter. “As health leaders, we are clear that unless urgent action is taken by government this will leave an indelible scar on local communities and cause a public health emergency,” the confederation’s leaders said in the letter to finance minister Nadhim Zahawi. ‘The awful choice’ In their letter, NHS Confederation Chief Executive Officer Matthew Taylor and Chair Victor Adebowale said they had made “this unprecedented intervention as they know that increase poverty will inevitably lead to significant extra demand on what are already very fragile services”. “This in turn could lead to outbreaks of illness and sickness around the country and widen health inequalities, worsen children’s life chances, and leave an indelible scar on local communities.” The pair urged the government to unveil “a more targeted and detailed support package for those households who need it most”, ahead of the latest consumer energy price rises being announced next week.