The UK Reiki Federation
Parliamentary Group for Integrated and Complementary Healthcare (PGICH)
June 2004 Report
HERBAL MEDICINE
20 January 2004
Prof David Bellamy, renowned botanist, author and broadcaster, and Barbara Griggs whose ‘Green Pharmacy’ is the standard work on Herbal Medicine, spoke regarding conservation, regulation and legislation.
We were reminded that herbal medicine has been the mainstay of healing worldwide for at least 6,000 years and presented with statistics regarding the alarming rate at which indigenous plants have been disappearing in recent years all over the world. An update on how the Herbal Medicine Directive was being received by UK practitioners was provided, together with examples of positive outcomes of representations made in connection with EU Directives on regulating herbal medicines. Barbara Griggs concluded that she is very positive about development of regulation in this field.
CHINESE MEDICINE IN THE NHS: AN INTEGRATED MODEL OF
GOOD PRACTICE
2 March 2004
Dominique Joire, Manager of the Gateway Clinic Centre of Excellence, impressed us with examples of good practice at this Lambeth Hospital, clinic. Joint winner of the 2003 PoWFIH Integrated Healthcare in NHS Award, the clinic is the only Traditional Chinese Medicine Centre in the NHS and treats c400 patients a week.
Discussion included regulation of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine.
David Tredinnick asked for an update on regulation of Reiki and I expressed optimism based on positive interactions between member organisations of the Reiki Regulatory Working Group.
REGULATION OF COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE: WHAT DOES THE
GOVERNMENT CONSULTATION PAPER MEAN FOR THE FUTURE?
27 April 2004
Mike O’Farrell, CE of British Acupuncture Council, and Prof Mike Pittilo, Independent Chair of Regulatory Working Group on Herbal Medicine, each presented an overview of their modality’s contribution to the Department of Health’s Consultation Paper setting out proposals for the statutory regulation of acupuncture and herbal medicine. With final date for response being 7 June, both encouraged maximum feedback and spoke of their hopes in connection with the Paper’s recommendations to set up a CAM Council, ie that:
- There be acknowledgement of the great deal of good work done, not just concentration on negatives
- Differences of opinion can be respected as such (as they are in business) rather than being regarded as ‘wrong’ as tends to be the case in CAM.
- Education process not be ‘dunned down’ and that accreditation be an independent process
- Common standards for Education and Training be driven around needs of patients not just professionals, with due regard for interprofessional education and working
- Effectiveness and efficacy continue side by side
- Everything possible be done to minimise complexity
- The importance of managing change be fully appreciated, with sufficient gates and doorways built in to ensure there is always a way to step back
The presentation prompted much discussion ranging around:
- Extent of circulation of Consultation Paper
- Proposals being disintegrative especially for Acupuncturists
- Costs of registration being inequitable (with smallest groups paying most); cost of regulation and of CPD
- Necessity for autonomy to protect integrity
- Threshold for registration and situation re dual registration
- Importance of CAM Council being inclusive and not exclusive
Michael Fox (PoWFIH) stressed the importance of providing constructive feedback as the proposals represented a big step forward with opportunities to influence agenda and debate.
David Tredinnick reminded us that the PGICH acts as a fulcrum for discussion and debate but that not to regulate is not an option. If we do not regulate ourselves, the Department of Health will impose regulation!
HOMEOPATHY
22 June 2004
Maggie Wallace, Chair of the CORH, reported that after 3 years discussion and debate regarding establishment of a single register of Homeopaths and a robust system of VSR, the next year would be crucial in agreeing a glossary of terms and making recommendations regarding role and function of both the new body needed to take Homeopathy regulation forward and of existing registering bodies. She expressed confidence for the future and looked forward to availability of choice for all.
Michael Fox (PoWFIH’s Chief Executive) spoke about the Foundation’s work in encouraging creative, constructive disagreement among CAM professionals, with regulation and responsibilities being the main focus. The awaited Shipman Inquiry will have implications for the professions.
With 90% of healthcare being outside the NHS, with there being more CAM practitioners than GPs and 1 in 5 people using CAM practitioners (representing a £1_ billion spend) he pointed out that CAM is no longer on the periphery, whereas traditional healthcare hasn’t changed much since WW2 - still being an ‘illness service’ rather than a ‘health service’.
Outlining his vision of truly integrated healthcare he said it is gratifying to see real progress being made but reminded us that a pre-requisite for improved access to CAM is progress on regulation and an improved evidence base.
Our host, Robert Nelson of nelsonbach, reminded us all that a united front can mould and change legislation.
The evening provided an excellent opportunity to network with people from a range of organisations directly involved with and/or supportive of complementary healthcare, including Chairs and other personnel involved with the regulatory process.
See also:
Activities: Voluntary Self-Regulation: About PGICH