View Full Version : Smokers and Drinkers may not be treated by NHS
Ok the front page of the Times had that header...
if it hasnt been discussed before, anyone have an opinion?
If i go to the Northern General with a broken leg, am i to assume that i wouldnt be treated, if they search my pockets and find my Embassy Number 1?? or even breathe test me?
so many things i dont know where to get started!
for a start remove the tax on my ciggys and beer, and i might start to understand...
any thoughts?
What will they do if you fall over drunk and split your head open, leave you to bleed to death ?
How about not treating drivers if they're injured in a road traffic accident? Or not treating fire-victims if they didn't have a smoke alarm?
Life's all about risks, and the NHS is there for everyone.
pk014b7161 09-12-2005, 16:03 Originally posted by Andy
How about not treating drivers if they're injured in a road traffic accident? Or not treating fire-victims if they didn't have a smoke alarm?
Life's all about risks, and the NHS is there for everyone.
i agree
What about not treating heart disease victims who are overweight and dont exercise?
PerlOfWisdom 09-12-2005, 16:11 They're slowly privatising the NHS by the back door - even the tories daren't do this.
daverity 09-12-2005, 16:39 Originally posted by Andy
How about not treating drivers if they're injured in a road traffic accident? Or not treating fire-victims if they didn't have a smoke alarm?
Life's all about risks, and the NHS is there for everyone.
Absolutely spot on mate. Next thing is they'll be whingeing about all the extra old people that they've got to treat because we are all allegedly living longer. I don't smoke myself but even so I've read the figures for tobacco tax collected against its cost to the NHS, the treasury are over 5 billion to the good. It does smack of a long term agenda, US style, we all end up with enforced private insurance. :suspect: :suspect:
nuf_said 09-12-2005, 16:40 Much as I detest the smell of smokers and their impudence in daring to smell that way near other people I can't help wondering if, with all the tax they've paid, they haven't already pre-paid for their treatments.
Nuf_said.
Originally posted by nuf_said
Much as I detest the smell of smokers and their impudence in daring to smell that way near other people I can't help wondering if, with all the tax they've paid, they haven't already pre-paid for their treatments.
Nuf_said.
Fair point, and nobody can be refused treatment unless they've been violently aggressive or done something else bad that would warrant refusal of treatment.
Even if they're in for drunken-ness or smoking related illness.
muddycoffee 09-12-2005, 17:26 Once again this is another story where the newspapers has spun it into a news story. The head guy from Nice has been interviewed all day long on news programmes stating that smokers, drinkers and obese people have every right to the full range of NHS services, and even people of 83 years old have the same priority as 3 years old.
So there you are IT'S WRONG
Herbaliser 09-12-2005, 17:42 I think the idea is that if, for example, a smoker is treated for a smoking related illness (how to prove that it's related is another matter) and are told to stop smoking, yet don't, then treatment may be withdrawn. Seems fair to me:
"You'll die if you don't stop smoking. Stop smoking then the treament may work"
"I won't stop smoking"
"No point treating you then."
?
Originally posted by Herbaliser
I think the idea is that if, for example, a smoker is treated for a smoking related illness (how to prove that it's related is another matter) and are told to stop smoking, yet don't, then treatment may be withdrawn. Seems fair to me:
"You'll die if you don't stop smoking. Stop smoking then the treament may work"
"I won't stop smoking"
"No point treating you then."
?
Agreed, the above makes perfect sense.
burnttoast 09-12-2005, 19:45 Originally posted by muddycoffee
Once again this is another story where the newspapers has spun it into a news story. The head guy from Nice has been interviewed all day long on news programmes stating that smokers, drinkers and obese people have every right to the full range of NHS services, and even people of 83 years old have the same priority as 3 years old.
So there you are IT'S WRONG
Yes it's the tory press stirring it up again.:P
Albatross 09-12-2005, 20:54 Originally posted by Herbaliser
I think the idea is that if, for example, a smoker is treated for a smoking related illness (how to prove that it's related is another matter) and are told to stop smoking, yet don't, then treatment may be withdrawn. Seems fair to me:
"You'll die if you don't stop smoking. Stop smoking then the treament may work"
"I won't stop smoking"
"No point treating you then."
?
Does that mean they will not have to pay the tax on tobacco seeing as that tax helps to pay for their treatment.
muddycoffee 09-12-2005, 21:53 Originally posted by Herbaliser
I think the idea is that if, for example, a smoker is treated for a smoking related illness (how to prove that it's related is another matter) and are told to stop smoking, yet don't, then treatment may be withdrawn. Seems fair to me:
"You'll die if you don't stop smoking. Stop smoking then the treament may work"
"I won't stop smoking"
"No point treating you then."
?
WRONG. Smokers will still be entitled to full access to all NHS care. The only thing which will not be available to them is an oxygen cylinder to take home to assist breathing if they haven't stopped smoking. Because it is an extreme fire risk to have oxygen near a flame and there have been lots of cases of houses burning down due to this in the past.
Cliff Clavin 10-12-2005, 04:06 I did predict this scenario on TheNick@Night Radio Show about 5 weeks ago.
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