Change to winter fuel payments pose serious health threat, says RCGPNI

The Royal College of General Practitioners Northern Ireland (RCGPNI) have said that the changes to the winter fuel payments will impact health thousands of pensioners in Northern Ireland.

The College have given this warning following the development that Northern Ireland will not diverge from the UK Government’s decision to restrict winter fuel payments to people receiving Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits.

This decision to restrict winter fuel payments will leave thousands of pensioners at risk of developing illnesses from cold and damp conditions, the College has said.

Dr Ursula Mason, Chair of RCGPNI, said: “The decision to limit the roll-out of winter fuel payments to people on certain types of benefits will have far reaching consequences on the health and wellbeing of some of the most vulnerable in our society. GP surgeries across Northern Ireland already experience an influx of older people presenting with pre-existing health conditions in the winter, with symptoms made worse by cold and damp conditions.

“With thousands expected to lose out on their winter fuel payments this year, we expect to see a rise in older people developing chest infections and other respiratory conditions in our practices this winter and that is before we count the cost to mental health as people struggle in more difficult financial circumstances.

“As doctors, we advise our older patients to keep warm and to ensure they receive the best nutrition they can over the cold months. The loss of the winter fuel payments will mean more will have to choose between keeping warm or eating.”

Further information

For media requests, contact Pearse Kelly, RCGPNI Policy and Public Affairs Manager: email pearse.kelly@rcgp.org.uk, or phone 07341 737033.

Notes to editors

The Royal College of General Practitioners is a network of more than 54,000 family doctors working to improve care for patients. We work to encourage and maintain the highest standards of general medical practice and act as the voice of GPs on education, training, research and clinical standards.