People in the medical sector have reported that some patients cannot afford to look after themselves too, according to the YouGov poll.

Commissioned by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), the poll of around 2,000 people found that 55 per cent felt their health has worsened due to the rising cost of heating and food.

One in four of these people have been told this is the case by a doctor or other medical professional, with stress seen as a driving factor of ill-health.

Of all those who reported their health getting worse, 84 per cent said it was due to increased heating costs, 78 per cent cited the rising cost of food and almost half (46 per cent) said transport costs had had an impact.

According to members of the Royal College of Physicians, one woman's ulcers on her fingertips were made worse by her house being cold.

Another patient could not afford to travel to hospital for lung cancer investigation and treatment, while medics also reported people's asthma and other lung conditions were being made worse by exposure to mould in poor quality council housing.

How have you been affected by the rising cost of living? Has your health been affected? Please let us know in the comments or using the form below. You can also email elisabeth.wilson@newsquest.co.uk

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