NHS ‘bans’ GPs from carrying out minor operations on patients who smoke unless they promise to quit

Mail on Sunday (UK) ^ | 05:18 EST, 29 September 2013 | Stephen Adams

[Olog-hai]

Patients are being denied minor treatments because they smoke, The Mail on Sunday has found.

In one case, a healthy middle-aged man was told he could not have a ten-minute operation to cut a small benign growth off the side of his head because of his habit.

Paul Merrett thought it would be no problem to get the inch-long fatty lump, called a lipoma, removed. …

But when he attended King George Surgery in Stevenage, his GP said he could not have the minor operation—which doctors often do under local anesthetic in their own consulting rooms.

Mr. Merrett, 46, said: “I was told, in no uncertain terms, that unless I gave up smoking or signed up to a quitting clinic, they would refuse to treat me. I was gobsmacked.” …

[E. Pluribus Unum]

But don't you DARE call them fascists.

[Lawgvr1955]

Today it is “you smoke”. Tomorrow it will be “you are conservative”. Next day it will be “you believe in God”. It will never end. The enemy is inside the perimeter.

[Conspiracy Guy]

I wish I had a quarter for every time I’ve been gobsmacked.

[CivilWarBrewing]

What about gays who ____ each other in the arse. Are they sworn to quit too?

[Still Thinking]

So smokers don’t have to pay into the system, since they’re not allowed to use it?

[Jim Robinson]

Oh, the joys of socialized “free” healthcare.

[spokeshave]

Ha...this guy was refused initial treatment for a broken arm because of smoking.

AND was refused disability because the Judge said..."You are a Plumber....and can still get that arm down around the bend to clean out toilets"

[Gamecock]

This, and more, coming to you soon in Amerika.

[GoodDay]

>>>Today it is “you smoke”. Tomorrow it will be “you are conservative”. Next day it will be “you believe in God”. It will never end. The enemy is inside the perimeter.

Bingo.

[griswold3]

Can’t wait until they use BMI!!!

[Girlene]

The ACA already discriminates against smokers here in the US. About Time? Smokers Face Tough New Rules Under Obamacare

............"Under proposed rules, HHS would allow insurers to charge a smoker seeking health coverage in the individual market as much as 50% more in premiums than a non-smoker."..................

[BlueStateRightist]

Select one or more the following:

1. Doesn’t wear seat belt while driving;
2. Eats fast food once weekly;
3. Bikes without a helmet;
4. Uses artificial sweetener at least once per week;
5. Isn’t circumcised;
6. Doesn’t exercise for at least 1 hour twice weekly;
7. Doesn’t wear sunscreen;
8. Has a pool in the backyard;
9. Owns a gun.
10. Is home-schooled.

Any you get no therapy for any medical problem. See? The most cost-effective healthcare in the world.

[Rides_A_Red_Horse]

Any you get no therapy for any medical problem. See? The most cost-effective healthcare in the world.

---

Add “Male w/ Male sexual activity and/or promiscuity.”

Just kidding. Those are the only “inalienable rights” recognized by the left!

[Drango]

Sucks to be a smoker. Just sucks.

[Old Yeller]

Naw there will only be two criteria for denial. Conservative or Christian.

[Lurker]

It’s time these “people” started getting late night visits and attitude adjustments at cricket bat.

[Vince Ferrer]

Tomorrow belongs to me

[garjog]

Add to the list:
denies human caused global warming.
rejects same sex marriage.
votes for any party except Democrats.

[RginTN]

Oh then Single Payer doesn’t mean everyone gets medical care!