Think-tank urges fines for drunken NHS patients

A right-wing think tank called for drunk NHS patients to be fined and prescriptions for common pain killers to be scrapped.

The report by 2020Health said treatment for conditions such as acne should not be provided on the NHS, with resources being diverted to tackle “serious illness”. Responsibility in Healthcare claims that millions of pounds are wasted each year on treating obesity, sexually transmitted diseases and alcohol abuse which are a consequence of “bad lifestyle choices”.

Chief executive of 2020Health Julia Manning said: “The universal healthcare system is at the core of our society, but too often it is treated with the same casual regard as calling for a taxi or booking a train ticket.

“We must encourage people to be more in control of their own health. It’s reassuring to know that the NHS is there for you, but that doesn’t mean you should be free to routinely end up there after a night out.”

She said the NHS should not spend money on treating “minor ailments” and instead patients should be left to cope for themselves. The report says no cosmetic procedures should be available on the NHS at all.

The comments from Manning, an adviser in the Conservative Party, appeared to fly in the face of David Cameron’s reassurances that he would not cut NHS resources.

A Department of Health spokeswoman said: “The NHS is free to all at the point of need.

“We are working hard to reduce levels of obesity, alcohol abuse and sexually transmitted infections through targeted awareness-raising campaigns, support and care for all those who need help.” 2020Health aims to improve health through effective commissioning, competition and technology.

It says it searches for ways in which the workforce can take more responsibility in local healthcare and seeks a level playing field between the public and private sector as they work to improve health.