The reported ban has raised a storm of controversy in Australia. The hospital says asking lung and heart transplant recipients to give up smoking is done as a way to define who is most likely to do well after a transplant. The Alfred's selection criteria is consistent with the published policy of the International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation. These criteria in part relate to lifestyle factors, which will seriously increase the risk of serious post-transplant complications. I believe that 50 or 60 years ago doctors prescribed smoking as a treatment for stress.
Patients arbitrarily being denied treatment is ethics masquerading as clinical judgments.
This is a complex issue and to deal with it simplistically is problematic. There needs to be wide consultation, including with healthcare consumers. The Alfred has refused further comment. 1998 Reuters Ltd. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters.