On April 6th tobacoo display within supermarkets will be banned. This part of the prolonged anti-smoking campign by both the government and the NHS. The chief medical officer for England, Prof Dame Sally Davies spoke how the ban will "protect young people" and "resist the temptation to start smoking." In addition the ban will aid those who are trying to give up smoking by reducing impulse buying. More over anti-smoking activists argued that displaying cigarettes near crisps and chocolates made then more appealing and socially acceptable to consumers, wether they be young or old.
England would not be the first to impliment such a ban as Canada, Iceland, Norway and Thailand have all banned visible tobacoo advertisement. Scotland is also ready to introduce such a band in 2012.
Wednesday, 28 December 2011
Friday, 23 December 2011
Should we always listen to the patient?
The question leads the reader to answer yes. especially if somebody so clearly labelled their wishes as to tattoo "DNR Do not resuscitate" over their heart. But what if you knew she had being admitted to hospital for overdoses on paroxetine and tramadol (anti-depressants) and had previously being admitted to A and E for deliberate self harm, including needing surgery to remove foreign bodies from her abdominal wall. After treatment for the drug overdose she was discharged with a community psychiatric follow-up.
Shortly after her discharge she poured lighter fluid over herself and set herself alight. she suffered 15% burns and was immediately readmitted to hospital. It was whilst in the burns unit the surgical team found the tattoo. They were confused as no advance directive was found. After discussing their options they decided it was in the "best interests" of the patient to be resuscitated.
This decision was made without a medical ethicist. But under four broad topics which are: medical indications, patient preferences, quality of life, and contextual features. It was decided that the tattoo could have being a previous wish which she no longer held, done in a fit of mental instability or a joke/dare. It was also accessed that her prognosis was positive and her condition reversible. Further more, it was discovered the tattoo was not legally binding as it was not signed and witnessed.
Lastly, not all ethical issues could or should have being discussed before her treatment such as the Marco issues of allowing scare resources to be used to treat patients who regularly attempt suicide. Also a final question: does do not resuscitate mean do not treat?
Shortly after her discharge she poured lighter fluid over herself and set herself alight. she suffered 15% burns and was immediately readmitted to hospital. It was whilst in the burns unit the surgical team found the tattoo. They were confused as no advance directive was found. After discussing their options they decided it was in the "best interests" of the patient to be resuscitated.
This decision was made without a medical ethicist. But under four broad topics which are: medical indications, patient preferences, quality of life, and contextual features. It was decided that the tattoo could have being a previous wish which she no longer held, done in a fit of mental instability or a joke/dare. It was also accessed that her prognosis was positive and her condition reversible. Further more, it was discovered the tattoo was not legally binding as it was not signed and witnessed.
Lastly, not all ethical issues could or should have being discussed before her treatment such as the Marco issues of allowing scare resources to be used to treat patients who regularly attempt suicide. Also a final question: does do not resuscitate mean do not treat?
Wednesday, 21 December 2011
Medical students in Bahrain recieve apologies after being charged for participating in anti-government protests
3 medicals students at the University of Bahrain were charged with the following: "plotting to overthrow the government,possession weapons and ammunition, forcefully taking over control of Salmamiya hospital and its personnel, stealing medical equipment and fabricating stories to disturb public security." This came after the medical students attended pro-democracy protests in February.
The students were then forced to sign a declaration of loyalty to the Bahraini royal family. Only two agreed to sign. Philip Luther, from human rights charity stated the charges were "simply ludicrous charges against professionals who were working to save lives amid very trying circumstances." This had lead to further concern about allegations of mistreatment. information, from amnesty international has collected information stating doctors have been deprived from sleep, beaten and forced to sign confessions under torture.
This may have accounted for some of the 20 doctors who have being sentenced to jail for more than 15 years for treating the injured during the protests. Fatima Haji, sentenced to five years, has being one the few to speak out saying on February 17th police attacked paramedics and protesters flooding the hospitals with casualties. ambulances were stolen, which only exacerbated the problem. she also spoke how "at 10am we found our colleague in a critical condition after being beaten by police for trying to help the injured."
The torment did not stop there on March 16 the military seized control of the hospital searching all patients and doctors. Thus making their work more difficult. Dr Haji states: "they then started to arrest the doctors, nurses and paramedics."
The students were then forced to sign a declaration of loyalty to the Bahraini royal family. Only two agreed to sign. Philip Luther, from human rights charity stated the charges were "simply ludicrous charges against professionals who were working to save lives amid very trying circumstances." This had lead to further concern about allegations of mistreatment. information, from amnesty international has collected information stating doctors have been deprived from sleep, beaten and forced to sign confessions under torture.
This may have accounted for some of the 20 doctors who have being sentenced to jail for more than 15 years for treating the injured during the protests. Fatima Haji, sentenced to five years, has being one the few to speak out saying on February 17th police attacked paramedics and protesters flooding the hospitals with casualties. ambulances were stolen, which only exacerbated the problem. she also spoke how "at 10am we found our colleague in a critical condition after being beaten by police for trying to help the injured."
The torment did not stop there on March 16 the military seized control of the hospital searching all patients and doctors. Thus making their work more difficult. Dr Haji states: "they then started to arrest the doctors, nurses and paramedics."
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