Medics thought swine flu rocker was a junkie
This is yet another case of a young man who was severely ill but was refused treatment by the NHS (National Health Service in the UK).
Peter Williamson, a punk-rocker with a mohican haircut and facial piercings, was experiencing flu-like symptoms and yet was denied the Tamiflu vaccine and other 'life-saving' treatment because the medics thought he was a junkie.
The young man was found dead in his flat at the 'tender' age of 27 - an age where he *should* be out enjoying himself), but instead he was suffering badly from the flu. The tests confirmed he had swine flu and bronchopneumonia, and a pathologist stated that his death could have been prevented.
The family are preparing to sue the NHS for negligence, yet a spokesperson for the NHS stated they would never discriminate against any patient.
I agree wholeheartedly that they (the NHS) could have gotten their facts right before rejecting the patient and assuming he was a junkie. And yet, I am also on the fence because I have heard of many cases where ambulance officers (ie paramedics), nurses and doctors have been viciously assaulted by *real* junkies, and perhaps they were apprehensive.
But what I failed to understand, though, was why would his mother try to get him treatment if he was a 'junkie' and why real junkies would still be treated?
Peter Williamson, a punk-rocker with a mohican haircut and facial piercings, was experiencing flu-like symptoms and yet was denied the Tamiflu vaccine and other 'life-saving' treatment because the medics thought he was a junkie.
The young man was found dead in his flat at the 'tender' age of 27 - an age where he *should* be out enjoying himself), but instead he was suffering badly from the flu. The tests confirmed he had swine flu and bronchopneumonia, and a pathologist stated that his death could have been prevented.
The family are preparing to sue the NHS for negligence, yet a spokesperson for the NHS stated they would never discriminate against any patient.
I agree wholeheartedly that they (the NHS) could have gotten their facts right before rejecting the patient and assuming he was a junkie. And yet, I am also on the fence because I have heard of many cases where ambulance officers (ie paramedics), nurses and doctors have been viciously assaulted by *real* junkies, and perhaps they were apprehensive.
But what I failed to understand, though, was why would his mother try to get him treatment if he was a 'junkie' and why real junkies would still be treated?
Comments
Post a Comment