Pressure on the NHS is set to increase with rising costs – In an unprecedented move NHS bosses appeal to the Government to address rising costs before the winter causes a public health emergency.
In light of the energy regulator Ofgem raising the cap on energy prices from October, the likelihood is, that bills will soar to uncomfortable and for some unachievable heights. The Government has provided reassurance of targeted support to help people through the winter ahead however, the concern is this will not be enough. The government has also declared no further consideration will be taken until the new Prime Minister is appointed. Thus, begging the question what is the winter going to look like for many?
The NHS have raised an urgent appeal that action is required now to prevent a public health emergency and assist with the pressure on the NHS. 93% of food bank organisations are reporting a significant increase in their need for their services since the start of the year. The NHS is already seeing an increase in suffering because of the cost of living crisis which will only increase as the country progresses into the winter months. The fear of many households choosing between food and fuel leading to malnourishment or illness and sickness trying to survive the winter with minimal heating. Fuel poverty will lead to significant additional demand on an already fragile system that is still handling the consequences from recent pandemic. A system based on staff members who have faced two years of pandemic related pressure to face a further crisis both personally and professionally. The fear that living in cold and damp conditions with potential limits on food consumption could widen health inequalities, increase childhood illness and a subsequent decrease in their life chances will fracture the local communities. Local communities which are recovering from two years of isolation where the long-term effects on our children are still unknown.