The RCN media office is the UK's leading source of information for journalists on nursing issues. Poor housing is particularly associated with respiratory illnesses, heart attacks and strokes. The Healthworkers Hotline was launched just a year ago. All RCN health visitors, district nurses and practice nurses were sent a special information card with details of the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme.
Nurses can then alert their patients whose health is affected by bad housing to the help available.
Patients who qualify for help who call the freephone Hotline number are given priority assistance with insulation and draught proofing. To mark the Hotline's first anniversary, Gisela Stuart MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Health, will join Ann Leedham, RCN West Midlands Regional Director, EAGA Chief Executive, John Clough, West Midlands health visitor Jenny Gough and people who could benefit from the scheme for a photocall. Nurses who promote the Healthworkers Hotline, and patients who have benefited from the service are available for interview on the day. The sort of help offered includes loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, draught proofing, hot water tank jackets energy advice. To qualify for a HEES grant, patients must receive an income-related or disability benefit, or be aged over 60.