Andrew Lamerton, a vascular surgeon, refused treatment to Frederick Smith suffering narrowed arteries, until he gave up smoking for six months. The ailment can result in the patient being confined to a wheelchair. The doctor also said that smoking only made Smith’s condition worse, and he would feel better after quitting it.
Andrew Lamerton, a vascular surgeon, refused treatment to Frederick Smith suffering narrowed arteries, until he gave up smoking for six months. The ailment can result in the patient being confined to a wheelchair. The doctor also said that smoking only made Smith’s condition worse, and he would feel better after quitting it.
The doctor was supported by The Lincoln County Hospital, as the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence has already suggested that self-inflicted causes may be refused treatment because it could be ineffective.
Smith, however, feels he is being forced to giving up the habit, as his condition may also be caused by other factors like high cholesterol, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Smith, as a taxpayer, insists on being treated.
Andrew Lamerton had diagnosed Smith’s condition to be claudication. He also indicated that the symptoms be referred to him after Smith stops smoking for half a year. Andrew Lamerton added that there was no guarantee of success of the surgery, and there has been a 75% improvement in the symptoms after quitting smoking.
Forest, a smokers’ pressure group has described such decision of the doctor as “totally unfair”.
