bwa ha ha ha

eat it redcoat scum

[url]http://politics.guardian.co.uk/publicservices/story/0,11032,969353,00.html[/url]

Smokers and overweight people will be asked to sign contracts with their doctors to agree a programme to quit smoking and lose weight under radical plans being drawn up by the government.

In an attempt to remind people of their own responsibilities the health secretary, Alan Millburn, is examining plans for patients and doctors to agree a formal programme of treatment.

Labour sources insisted last night that the plan, outlined in a Labour party policy document as part of preparations for the next general election manifesto, did not mean patients would be denied treatment if they refused to sign.

But the Labour document makes clear that patients, particularly overweight people and smokers, will be reminded that they must have a role in caring for themselves.

Under the new contracts, overweight people would be encouraged to exercise more and to eat a more balanced diet. The document says: "Agreements could be drawn up to help people to cut down or quit smoking, to lose weight, to take more exercise or to eat a more nutritious diet."

Under Clive Bates, formerly director of anti-smoking organisation Ash, Downing Street's strategy unit has been examining consumer responsibility across every aspect of public services.

The proposals are likely to be attacked by rebel Labour MPs who are already opposed to government plans to introduce elite foundation hospitals in the NHS.

But government sources made clear last night that it had no intention of forcing people to do anything and treatment would never be denied to people. A Department of Health source said: "This is about reminding people that resources are finite. If they misuse them they are being denied to someone else."

· The health secretary said that during a single week in March the target of treating patients within four hours of arrival in A&E was hit for 92.9% of patients. But a BMA survey found 55% of departments met the target in the week before the audit, 85% during that week and 63% a week later.

Before we laugh too hard here in the US, consider that lawyers will sue doctors on behalf of their stupid clients for not nagging them to quit smoking, lose weight, eat better, not watch so much TV, vote democratic etc.............They will be required to document these warnings and account for the patients progress or lack thereof.

[rofl2]

Holy shit I [b]love[/b] it!  They need to be "reminded" that they have some responsibility in improving their health.

"What do you mean I have to exercise!?!?  That's why I pay my socialist health care taxes, so I don't have to worry about taking care of myself."

Fuckin peons!  There's just something wrong about "having to remind" people that they bear some responsibility for their health.  I am damn glad we're not at that point in the U.S. yet!

-Nick Viejo.

Looks like the Brit system is going to cure your alignments one way or another, and even if it involves chopping off your arm in the process.