Short Cuts: People over 65 are refused treatment on the NHS

One in 20 people over 65 has been refused NHS treatment, including breast cancer screening, heart transplants and coronary care, says an Age Concern survey of age discrimination in the NHS. Director Sally Greengross called on the government to end the 'national epidemic of ageism' in the NHS and ensure that people were treated 'on the basis of clinical need'. More than 90 MPs, 53 of them Labour, have signed an early-day motion in support of Age Concern's call for fair treatment of elderly people in the NHS.