Some of Britain’s most vulnerable people have been taken to hospital after gas and electricity were cut off.
A senior NHS official has issued a warning to industry regulator Ofgem amid growing concerns about a “winter of unrest” over fuel shortages.
In an unprecedented move, the NHS chief for the North East and Cumbria, Samantha Allen, attacked Ofgem for cutting off power to vulnerable people who did not pay.
Health officials have asked gas and electricity market regulators to review policies to isolate people this winter to “save lives.”
In a letter to Ofgem published yesterday and posted on the North East and North Cumbria NHS website, about clinically vulnerable patients being forced to go offline after failing to pay their bills: there are serious concerns,” he said.
One example he gave was of people at risk who needed oxygen at home.
Ms. Allen also emphasized that there are people who need mental health and experience more confusion if they find themselves without a power supply.
He said: “It has become clear that we are starting to see cases of clinically vulnerable people having their homes cut off, leading to hospitalisation.
“This will affect people who are living independently in their own homes with the support of our Community Health Services team and rely on the use of electrical devices to survive.
“In my opinion, people who are considered clinically vulnerable cannot cut off that power.
“Based on several examples, it is clear that there is great concern in our community, along with contact with clinically vulnerable people.
“Simply put, cutting off power puts some people’s lives at risk.
“All of this will place new demands on health and social services that are already expanding.”
The letter concludes:
“I’m sure this is a matter of great concern to everyone, especially given the evidence of high winter mortality and serious illness as a result of cold weather.”
“So review the disconnection policies of all energy companies and reflect them in the water industry where domestic supply is not possible.
The appeal comes after Cabinet Office Minister Keith Malthaus acknowledged that the acute cost of living crisis and pressure on the NHS “could have serious consequences”.
“It is critical to urgently develop robust plans to mitigate its impact and find solutions,” he said.
Marthaus is leading a meeting of cabinet ministers and top officials from across the government to prepare health services for winter, the Cabinet Office said.
He added that he has been leading meetings throughout the summer to discuss decisions that may be taken after the appointment of a new prime minister.
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Source: Metro
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