Smokers and obese patients are being denied NHS surgery

Surgeons have expressed concern that patients in England who are overweight or who smoke are being refused routine operations - such as hip or knee replacements - on the NHS.

Research by the Royal College of Surgeons found that a third of NHS areas in England are blocking surgery until people lose weight or give up smoking. The college claims the policies are in breach of official guidelines and has urged the government to step in.

Adam Brimelow reports.