"...overweight patients and smokers waiting up to a year for elective surgery"

Plans to deny surgery to obese patients and smokers put on hold

Vale of York NHS group to review policy that would mean overweight patients and smokers waiting up to a year for elective surgery

"The report by the CCG said obese patients may secure a referral in less than a year if they shed 10% of their weight. Similarly, if smokers refuse to quit they faced having procedures delayed for up to six months, which can be accelerated if they quit their habit for eight weeks.

News of the proposed rationing sparked criticism from the former health minister Norman Lamb, who said it was “outrageous”.

NHS Providers, which represents NHS leaders, said similar proposals were likely to follow in future."