The Independent tells us that the Cabinet is exploring the option of depriving NHS patients who have self inflicted illnesses of priority treatment. They might include smokers and alcoholics in an attempt to make them change their habits. I never cease to be amazed by this argument. Employers and employees contribute to a National Insurance Scheme on the understanding that they will be treated by the NHS when needed, not when deserved. You can’t force people to pay into an Insurance Scheme and then decide not to pay out when they need treatment. Besides, where do you draw the line? What about illness caused by poor diets, and if so how bad does one’s diet have to be before your local hospital turns you away? What about people who take unnecessary risks like sky diving, motor sports or crossing the road away from pedestrian crossings? You get the picture. However, the most sinister thing about this is the attempt to dictate our lifestyles by depriving us of health care when we need it. Although, I have to say, I think we can expect more of this. NHS costs and patient expectations are rising and so every possible way to cut costs will be looked at, including rationing treatment to the ‘deserving ill’.
