Medics thought swine flu rocker was a junkie

This is yet another case of a young man who was severely ill but was refused treatment by the NHS (National Health Service in the UK).

Peter Williamson, a punk-rocker with a mohican haircut and facial piercings, was experiencing flu-like symptoms and yet was denied the Tamiflu vaccine and other 'life-saving' treatment because the medics thought he was a junkie.

The young man was found dead in his flat at the 'tender' age of 27 - an age where he *should* be out enjoying himself), but instead he was suffering badly from the flu.  The tests confirmed he had swine flu and bronchopneumonia, and a pathologist stated that his death could have been prevented.

The family are preparing to sue the NHS for negligence, yet a spokesperson for the NHS stated they would never discriminate against any patient.

I agree wholeheartedly that they (the NHS) could have gotten their facts right before rejecting the patient and assuming he was a junkie.  And yet, I am also on the fence because I have heard of many cases where ambulance officers (ie paramedics), nurses and doctors have been viciously assaulted by *real* junkies, and perhaps they were apprehensive. 

But what I failed to understand, though, was why would his mother try to get him treatment if he was a 'junkie' and why real junkies would still be treated? 

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