Former Labour health secretaries and nearly 200 health professionals have separately warned that the NHS would be put at risk if the UK left the European Union.

The letters argue that the economic impact of leaving the EU would hit the institution hard and that immigration is of benefit to the health service.

In a letter to The Guardian today, Labour's Alan Milburn, Patricia Hewitt, Andy Burnham and Alan Johnson labelled claims that leaving Europe would help the NHS as a "dangerous lie".

It said those campaigning to leave the EU have also campaigned for changes to the NHS, including increased privatisation, more patient charges and cuts to spending.

"There is a dangerous lie being propagated by those wanting to leave the European Union that they will protect the NHS," it said.

"The opposite is true. These are the same people who have campaigned for increased NHS charging; increased privatisation; and cuts to spending. People should not trust their motives or their maths."

It added: "The economic damage wreaked by leaving Europe will have devastating knock-on effects, including in the health service. Given the millions of lives who depend on our NHS, it is a risk we simply cannot afford to take."

Meanwhile 188 present and former clinicians, academics and public health leaders have written to The Times warning a Brexit should "carry a health warning".

The letter attempted to calm fears that staying in the EU leaves the UK open to greater privatisation, insisting the UK Government alone is in control of privatisation decisions, while arguing that the economic consequences of leaving would outstrip any savings, damaging an already cash-strapped NHS.

Led by Professor Martin McKee, Dr Mike Galsworthy and Professor Sir Simon Wessely of the Healthier In campaign, it also countered claims of expensive immigration in the UK, arguing it is of net benefit to the NHS in terms of finances, staffing and exchanges.

It said: "We have made enormous progress over the decades in international health research, health services innovation and public health. Much of this is built around shared policies and capacity across the EU. The future for European citizens' health lies in teamwork."

It continued: "Our health services, health research collaborations and public health protection are more robust within the EU.

"Leaving would damage the progress we have made together. Brexit should carry a health warning."

James McGrory, Stronger In campaign spokesman, said: "Whether it's former health secretaries, doctors, economists, scientists or trade unions, the independent experts in this debate overwhelmingly agree that Britain is stronger in Europe. The NHS is no exception."