Last updated 10:34, Monday, 11 February 2008

WE know that cases like that of Maryport woman Margaret Easterbrook, who has had her operation deferred because she didn’t quit smoking, are becoming more common.

The medical profession argues that not only smokers, but people who are obese, have a higher risk of complications, failure and poor outcomes from surgery.

It is said that surgery recovery time is quicker for those who don’t smoke.

However, there is a counter argument that doctors and consultants are in danger of abandoning their professional duty towards people who’ve paid their taxes and national insurance like everyone else, and who should be entitled to treatment without strings.

Is it not the case that people like Mrs Easterbrook are likely to suffer even more anxiety, as a result of being turned away, at the very time they should be kept calm?

Is this already stressful pre-operation period really the time for people to fight an addiction?

We would like to know where Cumbria’s primary health trust stands on this.

Unfortunately, it has refused to comment on its policy - or whether it even has one - so we’re left not knowing whether doctors can simply delay treatment on a whim.

Surely it would be better for us all, smokers and non-smokers alike, to know what to expect.

Our health professionals need to clear the air on this one.

WEST Cumbrian building firm Thomas Armstrong is the first major beneficiary of the new national Nuclear Academy.

The Flimby company has been awarded a £10 million contract for the Lillyhall site, and we welcome its pledge to employ a local workforce.

This is an important step towards building a stronger economy for the area.