One of the most senior NHS figures in the North East has warned the cost-of-living crisis is "life-threatening" for many in our region - and that not being able to pay gas and electric bills has already seen people admitted to our hospitals.
Samantha Allen - chief executive of the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) - has written to energy regulator Ofgem calling for measures to be put in place to ensure vulnerable people don't see their energy disconnected. The letter has been published on the ICB's website.
In the letter, Ms Allen highlights that she has "serious concerns" that clinically vulnerable people in the area - especially in "rural and deprived communities" - could see electricity or gas "disconnected as a result of non-payment". She said she would not "comment on or be drawn into a debate" about the reasons for energy price hikes, but added: "However, it is my duty to ensure we do all we can to reduce the health inequalities those across our communities' experience, improve their health outcomes and ensure the safety of our patients."
