Prime minister’s office denies plans to withhold treatment from people with unhealthy lifestyles

Gordon Brown has signalled his intention to create a bill of rights for NHS patients, sparking fears that people who lead “unhealthy” lifestyles might be denied treatment.

In a letter sent to all NHS staff last week, to mark the start of the health service’s 60th anniversary year, Mr Brown praised staff for their achievements. But he said that the NHS needed to be as much about prevention as about treatment if it was to survive another 60 years.

Important to this shift in emphasis were early advice, information, and support. These, …