[wagglebee]

How long before they just start calling people "useless eaters"?

Thread by me.

Patients denied treatment as NHS makes cutbacks, Telegraph can disclose

Hundreds of thousands of NHS patients are being denied routine procedures as dozens of trusts cut back on surgery, scans and other treatments in order to save money, a Daily Telegraph investigation has found.

Trusts around the country are refusing to pay for operations ranging from hip replacements, to cataract removal and wisdom tooth extraction.

The health service is also tightening restrictions that prevent patients undergoing procedures for lifestyle reasons.

Smokers and obese patients are being denied operations until they change their habits and trusts are delaying surgery and non-emergency treatments, the Telegraph has found in the most comprehensive snapshot of NHS cuts yet.

The cuts - which include the cancelling of MRI scans and x-rays - are taking place in defiance of the Coalition.

Ministers are determined that front line services should be protected and the savings needed can be found from management costs and efficiencies.

But there is growing evidence that NHS managers are sacrificing patient care instead.

Doctors and nurses said the 'grim' results undermine the 'myth' that front line services are being protected and warned they were just the 'tip of the iceberg'.

The situation is predicted to get worse as the NHS struggles to save £20bn over the next four years.

Although ministers have pledged to protect the health service budget and provide a real terms increase, it will not be sufficient to keep pace with growing demand and increasing costs.

In addition from April next year the amount of money hospitals receive for each type of treatment will be cut by 1.5 per cent raising fears that managers will refuse to provide treatments that they make a loss on.

As part of the investigation, The Telegraph had responses from almost one in three primary care trusts.

(Excerpt) Read more at telegraph.co.uk ...

[wagglebee]

Wesley J Smith: Terri Schiavo Life and Hope Network Wins Well Deserved Life Prize

The Schindler Family–Terri Schiavo’s mother and siblings–are some of the finest people I know. Their indomitable fight to save Terri from a cruel and medically unnecessary slow dehydration–in the face of media smears and fury among some who went berserk over their desire to save Terri’s life–epitomized familial unconditional love and stalwart courage in the face of great adversity. That several year struggle destroyed father Bob Schindler’s health, and her death broke his heart. He died a few years ago.

But the family continues on, working quietly behind the scenes individually–and through their foundation, the Terri Schiavo Life and Hope Network–to help people who are fighting against a loved one suffering a similar fate. They remain white hot controversial figures in some quarters, but the pro life movement has now stepped forward with a big $100,000 Life Prize” award to the foundation. From the press release:

In 2005, the world watched as a young woman with disabilities was deprived of food and water by order of a judge. Her family has vowed to fight for the right to life of those vulnerable individuals with disabilities and as a result, “Terri’s Network” has become their safe haven amidst the pressures of the so-called “right to die” movement. More than 1,000 families have been helped by the organization through their national network of resources, support and medical facilities for the medically-dependent and now they are among the six recipients of $600,000 in prizes awarded for achieving significant progress in promoting the sanctity of human life and working to protect and preserve it…The Life Prizes winners were measured by their success in saving lives and selected for best demonstrating their leadership and progress in pro-life achievements through public advocacy, scientific research, legal action, outreach and public discourse activities.

What a splendid recognition of selflessness. Congratulations to all who contribute to the Network–and to Bobby, Susanne, Mary, and the abiding memory of Bob.

If you are interested in the details about other recipients, hit this link.