RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
We have just welcomed in the New Year with all its associated reflections and predications. Much is made of the political landscape as commentators put their spin on the outcome of the general election later in the year. The NHS is bound to play a large part in the way parties promote themselves. One of the current debates was sparked by a decision by the New Devon Clinical Commissioning Group to restrict elective procedures for smokers and the obese to those who show commitment to addressing their condition before surgery. The decision has since been overturned because of the fear that this represented rationing by the back door and jeopardised the commitment to equitable care for all without conditions.
The issue raises the fundamental question about rights and responsibilities. Is it right that the tax payer should fund expensive procedures where there is not a corresponding responsibility from the individual to care for themselves, both pre and post operatively?
Making a personal commitment to maintain our spiritual and physical well-being is part of the drive to help keep the nation well and thus reduce the burden on the NHS. With more funding going into mental health this might be a realisable goal, but not a short term fix.
As people of faith we are committed to honouring God with our bodies as places where the Holy Spirit has been invited to dwell, yet how many of us are prone to excesses or omissions we know are bad for us. A recent survey has shown that people with a strong faith commitment are indeed healthier individuals with longer life expectancy. (find it here )Not, I would suggest, the best reason for embracing faith, but it does make the point. May our faith encourage us as we enter 2015 to embrace those things that make for wholeness.
We have just welcomed in the New Year with all its associated reflections and predications. Much is made of the political landscape as commentators put their spin on the outcome of the general election later in the year. The NHS is bound to play a large part in the way parties promote themselves. One of the current debates was sparked by a decision by the New Devon Clinical Commissioning Group to restrict elective procedures for smokers and the obese to those who show commitment to addressing their condition before surgery. The decision has since been overturned because of the fear that this represented rationing by the back door and jeopardised the commitment to equitable care for all without conditions.
The issue raises the fundamental question about rights and responsibilities. Is it right that the tax payer should fund expensive procedures where there is not a corresponding responsibility from the individual to care for themselves, both pre and post operatively?
Making a personal commitment to maintain our spiritual and physical well-being is part of the drive to help keep the nation well and thus reduce the burden on the NHS. With more funding going into mental health this might be a realisable goal, but not a short term fix.
As people of faith we are committed to honouring God with our bodies as places where the Holy Spirit has been invited to dwell, yet how many of us are prone to excesses or omissions we know are bad for us. A recent survey has shown that people with a strong faith commitment are indeed healthier individuals with longer life expectancy. (find it here )Not, I would suggest, the best reason for embracing faith, but it does make the point. May our faith encourage us as we enter 2015 to embrace those things that make for wholeness.
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