Click on image to enlarge Birmingham East and North PCT has today confirmed that it is to take down the Youtube video that shows a smoker getting beaten to death.
The NHS PCT still does not accept the video could incite violence because the assailant is invisible and it takes little responsibility for the video's distribution.
What the officialese second action point means in plain English is anyone's guess. My interpretation is that the Trust will think before making suich an obscene film in future but perhaps I'm being an optimist.
The pessimist in me feels that there is no point in going to the next stage of the complaint - the Parliamentary and Health Ombudsman - because if it is Govt sponsored it will repeat the same old line that smokers need saving from themselves.
However, I also feel that it is important that there is official and government acknowledgement that such violence can never be justified - especially against a minority that is never heard. It is also important that in powerful, govt run organsations that there is some recognition, and basic knowledge of the difference between health information- which is to be welcomed - and health propaganda - which incites hatred and self-loathing.