Readers’ views were canvassed after comments by Arthur Caplan, professor of bioethics at NYU Grossman School of Medicine in New York, who argued age had played a role in limiting access to medicine for decades – especially during times of scarce resources are scarce. Writing in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), Prof Caplan said: “If the goal is to save the most lives with scarce resources then age may matter if there is a diminishing chance of survival with increased age. “Older age is often associated with an increase in chronic morbidity, which may also compromise the efficacy of scarce acute care resources, and there is evidence that older age itself can compromise the response a patient is capable of making.

“To the extent to which data support the risk of failure or the odds of success, age can justifiably be used to ration care if maximisation of lives saved is the overarching goal.

However, his arguments cut little ice with those who voted in Express.co.uk’s online survey, who were asked: “Should doctors prioritise treatment based on a patient’s age?”

As of 6.30pm this evening, a total of 3,255 people had had their say – and 2,727 of them – 84 percent – said no.

Back Express.co.uk’s NHS Heroes campaign

Just 460 – 14 percent – said yes, while 68 – two percent – were undecided.

One reader used the example of Captain Tom Moore, the 99-year-old whose fundraising efforts have now surpassed a staggering £27 million:

They added: “This is a very dangerous road to go down.

EU meltdown: Economist warns bloc ‘ill-equipped to cope’

Does being old mean your worth less? Look at Capt Tom

Express.co.uk reader

“All human life should be equal in these situations. Does being old mean your worth less ? Look at Capt Tom.”

Another added: “People should stop trying to play God and treat everyone equally and fairly regardless of age.

“If you have a treatment and that person needs it, they should have it.

DON’T MISS
Extinction Rebellion warns it will take action to stop £100bn project [EXPOSED]
Dire Straits star opens up on ‘extraordinary’ HS2 decision [COMMENT]
Remainer caller blasted by Iain Dale as she blames HS2 on Brexit [SHOCKING]

A third asked: “No, what next? Fat thin, black white, rich poor, tall short?”

Others pointed out older people would by definition have paid more into the health service.

One said: “Why don’t they go the whole hog and issue us all with a pill when we get past 50, but of course we come in quite useful to work until we are 67 and rising to pay taxes in!”

Another said: “I’m 73 going on 74. I’ve paid into the system (N.I) for “OVER” 50 years.

“It’s my ‘RIGHT’ to be treated. We have had numerous reports that the NHS is prioritising Patient care eg, not treating those of 70 years of age, in favour of someone younger.

“The reason the Wife and I have “NOT” been outside clapping and banging pots and pans, and have absolutely no intention of doing so!!”

Another reader declared: “Everyone should be treated the same or where would euthanasia end, don’t treat anyone with any sort of underlying ailment? Let’s only treat the fit? Just what sort of a world we live in.”

Another commented: “So people who’ve paid the most and paid into the pot the longest go to the back of the line? RANCID!!!”

Citing “age discrimination”, another said: “Pension age extended to 66-68 (& rising) to pour more £££millions tax into the coffers (which pays for the NHS), yet left to die because we’re deemed to be ‘too old’. Something wrong there.”

One reader suggested there were other reasons to priorities cases than age, saying: “It would infuriate me if I had to treat someone who had gone about flouting the lockdown, having bbqs etc as a priority over someone who had done everything possible not to catch the virus but had to go to the end of the queue because of their age.”

The poll ran on Express.co.uk on April 23 from 9.29am to 6.30pm.

Source: Read Full Article