Menu
27/09/2010
Pilot Scheme Remains Divisive Issue
An NHS advisory group has suggested offering incentives to people to quit smoking or to start eating healthier.
The pilot scheme saw obese people being paid to lose an agreed amount of weight. Pregnant women were also awarded supermarket vouchers to give up cigarettes. The scheme also saw children offered toys as a reward for eating more fruit and vegetables.
The independent Citizens Council, run by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice) has backed the scheme.
The wider public have now been approached to give their views before Nice considers implementing the policy.
Chairman of Nice, Sir Michael Rawlins, said that paying people to quit smoking was a "divisive issue".
He added: "The Citizens Council makes an important contribution to the work of Nice by providing a snapshot of what the general public thinks about controversial health challenges.
"I am extremely grateful that the council has considered whether there is a place for incentive schemes to encourage people to change their bad habits and live healthier lives.
"The majority of the council has voted in favour of the use of incentives under certain circumstances, but this clearly remains a divisive issue. We are now very keen to hear what the general public thinks about their conclusions."
(BMcN)
The pilot scheme saw obese people being paid to lose an agreed amount of weight. Pregnant women were also awarded supermarket vouchers to give up cigarettes. The scheme also saw children offered toys as a reward for eating more fruit and vegetables.
The independent Citizens Council, run by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice) has backed the scheme.
The wider public have now been approached to give their views before Nice considers implementing the policy.
Chairman of Nice, Sir Michael Rawlins, said that paying people to quit smoking was a "divisive issue".
He added: "The Citizens Council makes an important contribution to the work of Nice by providing a snapshot of what the general public thinks about controversial health challenges.
"I am extremely grateful that the council has considered whether there is a place for incentive schemes to encourage people to change their bad habits and live healthier lives.
"The majority of the council has voted in favour of the use of incentives under certain circumstances, but this clearly remains a divisive issue. We are now very keen to hear what the general public thinks about their conclusions."
(BMcN)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 July 2012
Sex Offenders Lie Detector Scheme 'To Be Rolled Out'
Following a successful pilot scheme mandatory polygraph testing for sex offenders is set to be rolled out across England and Wales, ministers say. The scheme found offenders who were tested were more honest and gave better information, which meant they were managed more effectively.
Sex Offenders Lie Detector Scheme 'To Be Rolled Out'
Following a successful pilot scheme mandatory polygraph testing for sex offenders is set to be rolled out across England and Wales, ministers say. The scheme found offenders who were tested were more honest and gave better information, which meant they were managed more effectively.
24 February 2009
Trawlermen Consultation Launched
The Government today launched a consultation on its new scheme to compensate trawlermen who lost their livelihoods following the 1970s 'Cod Wars'. The consultation runs until 22 May. The Government intends to open the new scheme to applications in the summer.
Trawlermen Consultation Launched
The Government today launched a consultation on its new scheme to compensate trawlermen who lost their livelihoods following the 1970s 'Cod Wars'. The consultation runs until 22 May. The Government intends to open the new scheme to applications in the summer.
03 March 2005
Defra launches farmland conservation scheme
A new scheme enabling English farmers to be paid for environmental work on their farms is to be launched in the spring.
Defra launches farmland conservation scheme
A new scheme enabling English farmers to be paid for environmental work on their farms is to be launched in the spring.
11 December 2003
Consultation launched for 'flexible and affordable' police pensions
It is time to consider options for modernising police pensions to make them "more flexible and affordable" for police officers, Home Office Minister Hazel Blears said today Announcing a UK-wide consultation on police pensions, the Home Office has called for views on a suggested alternative to the current pension scheme, which would cater for the ne
Consultation launched for 'flexible and affordable' police pensions
It is time to consider options for modernising police pensions to make them "more flexible and affordable" for police officers, Home Office Minister Hazel Blears said today Announcing a UK-wide consultation on police pensions, the Home Office has called for views on a suggested alternative to the current pension scheme, which would cater for the ne
01 March 2005
Alzheimer's drugs could be withdrawn
The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) has recommended the withdrawal of three drugs frequently used to help treat the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer's drugs could be withdrawn
The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) has recommended the withdrawal of three drugs frequently used to help treat the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Mostly dry south and east, patchy light rain west and north through much of the day. A band of heavier rain crosses central and northern parts in the morning Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:Dry in the southeast at first otherwise widespread light rain or drizzle for most, turning to clear spells and a few showers towards morning. Minimum temperature 5 °C.
