GPs should identify and visit people at risk from cold homes, says NICE

GPs should identify people who live in cold or hard to heat homes and should visit them once a year to assess their heating needs, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended.1

Year round planning and action by many sectors is needed to combat problems related to cold homes and fuel poverty, NICE has said, as they can affect a range of groups including people with cardiovascular and respiratory problems, people with mental health conditions, those with disabilities, older people, and households with young children and low incomes.

People who are discharged from hospital or social care homes should also have their …