Conjoined twins

Did the mother make the right decision? Read the story: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/3536524/Mother-describes-joy-at-giving-birth-to-conjoined-twins.html

Laura Williams became the world's youngest mum to give birth to conjoined twins. During her pregnancy, she was advised to consider an abortion.

As it stands, doctors will decide on Tuesday if the two girls should undergo an operation to separate them. They share only a liver.

The twins may not survive the risky operation. Some surgeons certainly seem to enjoy the challenge.

Did Mrs Williams make the 'best' choice?

Stop calling Doris 'Dearie'!

Peruse this story if you wish: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7748164.stm

A load of drivel? I think so. I believe that 'love' and 'dearie' are terms of endearment for ALL patients, not just the older generation (when used in the right context of course).

Older people should not be patronised but political correctness is so tedious. Nurses often build up a rapport with their patients, and should therefore be permitted to use these specific terms.

Any comments?

'Top up' ban lifted

Thank goodness the Government has announced that people will not be penalised for choosing to buy drugs that are not available on the cough NATIONAL cough Health Service. If those suffering with illnesses can afford to buy the life-extending drugs, then of course they should be allowed to do so without losing the right to free NHS care - we all pay taxes after all. The Government needs to work extremely hard to make more drugs available on the NHS especially during the current economic downturn, and for all those who simply cannot afford private treatments.

Lottery funding for research into 'gay' drug abuse

Readers from the LEP have commented on this issue:

http://www.lep.co.uk/news/Lottery-cash-for-gay-drug.4648578.jp

UCLAN has been awarded nearly half-a-million pounds for research into drug abuse among gays, lesbians and bisexuals.

The International School for Communities, Rights and Inclusion has been granted the funding, in partnership with the Lesbian and Gay Foundation under the Big Lottery Research Programme. The five year study will examine confidential questionnaires to discover levels of drug and alcohol abuse in gay communities across England.

MPs and religious groups have criticised the funding as they believe it should help all drug users rather than focusing on the sexuality of specific communities. Reverend Timothy Lipscomb (a Preston vicar) supported this point. He said: "I think this money needs to take in a broad cross-section of society to tackle what is a terribly important issue." I agree with this.

The gay community is synonymous with hedonism and recreational drug taking but this does not mean that they should be singled out as fervent drug users more than any other community. Indeed, there is a high rate of substance abuse but as a comment in today's LEP states, I didn't realise there was a difference between gay or straight drug users. Does anyone want to comment?