HEDS is part of the School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR) at the University of Sheffield. We undertake research, teaching, training and consultancy on all aspects of health related decision science, with a particular emphasis on health economics, HTA and evidence synthesis.

Tuesday 8 March 2011

The end of age-based health policies in the UK?

The Department of Health will not be seeking any exceptions to the planned implementation of the Equality Act 2010. The Equality Act 2010 does not outlaw age discrimination when there are justifiable reasons for it, so for example, the following policies are not affected:
  • Cervical cancer screening programme 
  • NHS Health Checks 
  • Seasonal flu vaccination 
  • IVF treatment 
  • NHS charges
However, one example of ‘unlawful’ discrimination is given as making referrals based on age rather than individual need and fitness level.  So do we have to undertake sub-group analyses within systematic reviews, meta-analyses and cost-effectiveness analyses? 
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