Smokers and obese could face refusal of medical treatments

Overweight patients and smokers in south Lincolnshire could be refused certain medical procedures under moves being discussed.

The clinical committee of South Lincolnshire’s Clinical Commissioning Group recently agreed to  investigate the idea as part of a package of measures being considered to improve ‘Quality, Innovation, Productivity and Prevention (QIPP)’, though has said since there are ‘no specific plans’.

Minutes of the meeting said: “Following a robust discussion, whereby members considered all QIPP scheme options, financial delivery opportunities and reservations as to whether some schemes were achievable, members advocated for CCG officers to work up further detail.”

The restrictions outlined were for those with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of above 35 – the severely obese.
The option read: “With clinical evidence and support, restrict specified procedures for individuals with a BMI above 35 and patients who smoke, at time of referral.”
It is not clear which procedures it could include.

Other areas of the country already have similar schemes. In Yorkshire and Essex there are restrictions and conditions over access to knee and hip replacements, for example.

Sarah Fletcher, chief executive officer for health and social care consumer champion Lincolnshire Healthwatch, said: “People do need to take more responsibility but on another level people making these decisions need to be mindful of the fact one size does not fit all.”

She said it would be important to consider  people who faced challenges to lose weight, such as the less mobile, or those where an operation such as a hip replacement was needed to help mobility and weight loss.

John Turner, accountable officer for South Lincolnshire CCG, said: “South Lincolnshire CCG is continually reviewing its policies and procedures in line with current best practice and clinical guidance.  
“The CCG currently has no specific plans in place to make any changes in relation to this issue.”