Rising numbers of people will fall sick and see their health worsen unless the government takes further action to limit energy price rises, the NHS says.
People's health at risk unless action taken on energy costs.
According to the NHS Confederation, the UK is experiencing a "humanitarian crisis."
The organisation that speaks for health officials predicted that many individuals will have to make the terrible decision of foregoing meals in order to keep their homes warm or living in wet, chilly circumstances.
But ministers asserted that steps had already been taken, with assistance from the NHS.
Included in this are £400 payments made to each household this fall to assist with paying energy costs.
However, in a letter to the government, NHS leaders stated that despite other cost-of-living constraints, fast-growing energy prices will still force people and families to make unfeasible decisions.
They caution that people's health would soon deteriorate if they are forced to live in cold homes and cannot afford healthy food, leaving the NHS to pick up the pieces.
Cold weather can worsen respiratory disorders and raise the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and falls in elderly persons.
According to the NHS Confederation, cold houses are already associated with 10,000 fatalities annually.