NHS bosses have made an “unprecedented” plea for government action on rising energy prices as Britain faces a “public health emergency.”

The NHS Confederation, which brings together employers from across the NHS, wrote to ministers today, warning that surging costs mean people will have to choose between skipping meals to heat their homes or living in cold and damp conditions this winter.

Health leaders said they are worried that widespread fuel poverty will increase the high number of annual deaths associated with cold homes — estimated at 10,000 — and add pressure on already “fragile” services.

NHS Confederation chief executive Matthew Taylor said: “NHS leaders have made this unprecedented intervention as they know that fuel poverty will inevitably lead to significant extra demand on what are already very fragile services.

“Health leaders are clear that, unless urgent action is taken by the government, this will cause a public health emergency.”

It comes as energy regulator Ofgem is set to raise the cap on energy prices from October, leading household bills to soar.

The confederation’s letter to Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi and Health Secretary Steve Barclay warned that the health service is “already seeing huge suffering in our local communities because of the cost-of-living crisis.”

The letter also said they believe the government’s proposed support package of £400, paid in monthly instalments, will be insufficient to deal with the crisis.

Mr Taylor told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “We’re making this call because leaders can see the growing problems in their community and amongst lower-paid staff — and they are concerned about the fact they’ll be facing additional demands.”

Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust chairman Jeremy Vanes also spoke out, saying: “The population my organisation provides mental health services for is amongst the least wealthy in the UK, with over 45 per cent of people living within the lowest income bands.

“We anticipate some will even struggle to keep their homes in the year ahead.”

Labour shadow health secretary Wes Streeting said: “NHS leaders are absolutely right to raise concerns about the impact on health.

“The vaccines minister has admitted that elderly people unable to heat their homes this winter will be at greater risk of flu and other illnesses.”

A government spokesman said: “Eight million of the most vulnerable households will see £1,200 extra support, provided in instalments across the year, and everyone will receive £400 over the winter to help with energy bills.”