A doctor has warned that the cost-of-living crisis is sending more people to hospital.

Kirsty Jones has seen more people being admitted for failing health after being unable to pay their heating bills.

The 27-year-old, who lives in Shawlands, said cold homes are contributing to mouldy environments which are directly risking people's health.

According to the NHS, if you have damp and mould in your home you're more likely to have respiratory problems, respiratory infections, allergies or asthma.

Damp and mould can also affect the immune system.

Glasgow Times: Unite members joined Fuel Poverty Action, Medact, the National Pensioners Convention and Homes for All UK as part of demonstrations.Unite members joined Fuel Poverty Action, Medact, the National Pensioners Convention and Homes for All UK as part of demonstrations. (Image: Colin Mearns)

Kirsty told the Glasgow Times: “I'm particularly interested in the issue of fuel poverty.

“Something that I believe is not considered enough is that when people can’t afford to heat their homes properly, this leads to damp conditions and mould.

“This has a huge impact on health which we are seeing in hospitals, people are coming in with chronic conditions like asthma or COPD which are worsening.

“Breathing in these mouldy environments also makes these lung problems more likely to happen.

“It is a really vital issue, it doesn't just affect the quality of life you have inside your home it affects your quality of life in general because your health is at risk.”

Mould and damp are caused by excess moisture and have thrive in colder homes which become damp.

Kirsty fears people being reluctant or unable to use their heating could be at risk, inspiring her to campaign for energy guarantees and public ownership to reduce the impact of energy bills.

She spoke to the Glasgow Times at a recent cost-of-living protest in Easterhouse on Friday, March 8.

We also spoke to other activists who admitted they have been forced to change the way they heat their homes because of soaring bills.

Julia Mountain said she only puts the heating on in her house if she has a guest because of skyrocketing costs.

The 67-year-old who lives near Charing Cross explained that even though she can afford to pay her bills, she is forced to pick and choose when she can have a warm house.

She said: “I can pay for my electric and gas, but I feel a lot of sympathy and solidarity with people who are struggling.

“I spoke to a woman who can only put her heating on the one day a week she looks after her grandchildren.

“I just thought how terrible to be in that position, but then realised I have also really changed my behaviour a lot.

“I often don’t don’t have the heating on, or keep it on very low. I only put it up when I have people to stay or visit.

“We all need to group together and say this is wrong.”