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Inequalities in Health Alliance calls for the Government to tackle cost of living

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Today the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has published a new survey showing that more than half of people (55%) surveyed in a YouGov poll feel their health has been negatively affected by the rising cost of living – mostly due to the increasing costs of heating, food and transport.

The survey found that among those who reported their health getting worse, 84% said it was due to increased heating costs, over three quarters (78%) said it was a result of the rising cost of food and almost half (46%) said it was down to transport costs rising.

As a member of the Inequalities in Health Alliance (IHA) – a group of over 200 organisations – we are joining the call for a cross-government strategy to reduce health inequalities and urging the Government to commit to taking action on the social determinants of health, because everything affects health.

“The cost of living crisis is putting even more pressure on people with cystic fibrosis, who already face high costs as a result of their condition, with long stays in hospital causing disruption to work, prescription charges for vital daily medications, and rising prices for the additional high-calorie food they need to stay healthy. Our data shows 87% of people with cystic fibrosis are worried about the cost of living, and 35% worry about money every day.

“As the research published today highlights, these concerns are reflected across the membership of the Inequalities in Health Alliance. It is vital that the Government responds with a comprehensive health inequalities strategy.

Clare Corbett, Director of External Affairs at Cystic Fibrosis Trust
  • If you’re concerned about this or need advice, contact our helpline at [email protected] or call 0300 373 1000 to speak to one of our friendly advisors.
  • Read our blog about our calls to end prescription charges.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic condition which causes sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system. It affects more than 10,800 people in the UK. One in 25 of us carries the faulty gene that causes it, usually without knowing.

Since 1964, we've supported people with cystic fibrosis to live longer, healthier lives - and we won’t stop until everyone can live without limits imposed by CF. 

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