Legal, decent and honest? Are quality assurance and rationing inseparable?

Considers the nature of rationing, examining legal and ethical aspects in the context of current political resistance to admitting that rationing exists in the NHS. Considers the inherent contradictions in the two main ethical models (deontological and utilitarian) in relation to the tensions between the needs of individual patients and the wider needs of society. Argues that allocation of resources is inevitable and consideration is given to the merits of different ways of achieving this rationing. Considers the role of the National Institute of Clinical Excellence and concludes that it would be honest to admit that rationing exists and that it is difficult to implement.