Health Impacts of Cold Homes: A Serious Concern in the UK
Excess winter deaths, hospital admissions, and GP consultations are significantly attributed to fuel poverty and cold homes in the UK. Cold homes pose a major health hazard, leading to various health issues such as cardiovascular problems, respiratory illnesses, mental health issues, and increased risk for children, including asthma and mental health problems. Addressing fuel poverty and improving indoor temperature plays a crucial role in preventing these health impacts.
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A simple question? Dr Sarah Machale Crocus Medical Practice, Saffron Walden Kate Robson Citizens Advice
Winter 2017 in the NHS Winter 2017 in the NHS Winter in the NHS
Cold Weather and Health There is a strong evidence base on the risk to health from cold weather The effects are predictable and largely preventable
1.36 Billion a Year (Age UK) Cost to the NHS of Cold Homes In 2014/15 43,900 Excess Winter Deaths (EWDs) in England and Wales were attributable to fuel poverty and cold homes. For Every EWD there are an estimated 8 hospital admissions (or 10% of Hospital admissions) That s 439,000 extra GP consultations each winter attributable to fuel poverty and cold homes For every EWD there are also 100 extra GP consultations (Roche, 2010 UK Health Forum).
Excess winter deaths in the UK are higher than in Finland
HSE: Cold Homes is the 2nd biggest Health Hazard in the UK
EXCESS WINTER DEATHS, HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS AND GP CONSULTATIONS of these 40% Cardiovascular 33% Respiratory MENTAL HEALTH Health impacts of cold homes 4x more likely In all ages The Health Effects of Cold Homes CHILDREN Asthma risk doubles Mental health problems X4 Respiratory illnesses 1.5-3X Low weight gain in babies Estimated to cause 10-11% falls
Fuel Poverty is associated with increased mental problems
Most energy inefficient homes are owner occupied
People with cardiovascular conditions Pregnant women People on a low income People with respiratory conditions (in particular, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and childhood asthma) People who move in and out of homelessness People with addictions People who have attended hospital due to a fall People with mental health conditions Recent immigrants and asylum seekers People with disabilities Older people (65 years +) Young children (under 5)
Is your home warm?
Primary Care Add it to templates in chronic disease clinics and frailty reviews Ask Are you finding it hard to keep your home warm? Think about your high risk patients Refer for warmer homes support How do we make every contact count? CCG Involve Community Services, Mental Health Services, Care of the Elderly and Falls services
Learning from the Warm Homes Oldham Evaluation Report 2015 Recommended that they needed to: Increase the number of referrals directly from Health Organisations (which were very low) Refer more individuals to the Citizens Advice for income maximisation (of 102 benefits checks undertaken 33 individuals secured additional income with the average household income increase equating to 3040.55 a year)
Reduced GP consultations, Reduced out-of-hours calls Reduced attendances at walk-in centres Potential savings to NHS of implementin g NICE 2015 guidelines on cold homes Reduced district nurse visits Reduced drug prescriptions. Reduced emergency department visits. Reduced inpatient admissions. Reduced social care service costs. Reduced excess winter deaths
What can be done...Warmer Homes Initiatives? Take actions to reduce energy costs for example; find a better energy tariff; apply for a warm homes discount; identify grants to improve energy efficiency in the home. Take action to increase income ensure that people are claiming everything they are entitled to - like pension credit, non-means tested disability benefits, ensure people are supported with benefit appeals if appropriate. Deal with debt and utility bill problems look at practical steps to manage or write-off debt. Deal with housing issues support people to find handyman services, support relationships with landlords in terms of repairs and heating issues, start a discussion about moving to more suitable housing.
How to refer?
01 02 03 Conclusions Conclusion Identify patients at risk Make every contact count Refer directly
