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On 31 January 2007, MPs will be told ‘Feet Matter’ in an unprecedented lobbying campaign in Westminster organised by the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists.
The launch of Feet Matter: Prevention is cheaper than cure parliamentary campaign emphasises to MPs that feet really do matter, and good foot care can prevent further, costly, health problems. As part of the campaign, MPs will be offered a ‘foot health check’.
Campaign aims
The aim of the campaign was to raise awareness among MPs that good foot health is an essential component to quality of life and podiatry is a key element of preventative medicine.
Foot health enhances quality of life by ensuring people stay independent and active for longer. These foot health services have undisputed cost effective clinical benefits. Not receiving professional foot care can lead to increased levels of physical, mental and social problems for patients.
Better managed foot health is essential, given the rises in the numbers suffering from diabetes and obesity, which leads to more complex and costly interventions on health and social services in the future.
Primary Care Trust (PCTs) are responsible for ensuring that comprehensive foot health services are commissioned, whether from existing NHS podiatry services or local podiatry private practitioners. Yet, largely due to financial constraints, many have reduced their expenditure on foot health services. The failure to invest adequately in chiropody services runs the risk of defeating objectives to prevent illness, reduce health inequalities and promote healthy and active life among the population.
Lobby packs with details of what to say and how to influence MPs were available for member podiatrists.
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Minister for Health recognises importance of podiatry:
In Birmingham Lord Philip Hunt, Minister of State for health, attended the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists Delegate Assembly.
He offered support, and acknowledged the contribution podiatry plays in helping to reduce complications associated with long term chronic medical conditions such as diabetes and vascular problems; conditions which have a high impact on patients’ quality of life. Podiatry services help minimise the cost burden to the NHS and social services. Prevention of diabetic amputations can save the NHS an average of over £80,000 per patient.
Chairman of the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists, Mr Ralph Graham commented, “We will seek a meeting at the earliest possible opportunity to pursue the issues discussed, and accept Lord Hunt’s invitation for further dialogue.”
The Society has been running a parliamentary campaign, Feet Matter: Prevention is cheaper than cure, to highlight the cost savings podiatry can make in the NHS to patients with long-term medical conditions.
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MP jumps in, feet-first, to back Feet Matter campaign:
MP James Arbuthnot is backing the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists' campaign to make podiatry services more freely available on the NHS, according to a recent article in the Basingstoke Gazette.
The MP had the opportunity to meet with podiatrists and have his feet checked in Parliament where 100 MPs had their feet checked.
Mr Arbuthnot said:
"Many years ago, I was told that the most cost-effective health treatment of all is that which helps us to walk - chiropody.
"However, sometimes, podiatry can be overlooked when spending is allocated at the local level.
"I plan to take up these concerns with the NHS locally in north east Hampshire and I will be writing to the Health Secretary to ensure that all is being done to recognise the importance of podiatry services in providing a cost-effective method of preventing ill health."
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100 Parliamentarians kept on the move:
100 Parliamentarians had their feet checked out by podiatrists at the Palace of Westminster’s first foot health check event on 31 January. The event, led by the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists (SCP), was a huge success, with 100 MPs and Peers attending for a foot check and an opportunity to find out more about this important and hugely popular service.
Each set of feet was closely examined by a podiatrist, who also asked general questions about foot health, analysed the way they walked, and offered further examination and treatment where necessary.
The event was supported by key campaigning and representative organisations including Diabetes UK, Help the Aged, Age Concern England, UNITE – the National Federation of BT and Royal Mail Pensioners, the National Pensioners Convention and emPOWER. These organisations all work closely with SCP to promote good foot health as an essential component of promoting a high quality of life. Trade support at the event was provided by Biosense Medical Ltd and Orthotech.
Podiatry and chiropody keep people mobile for longer, ensure everyone can take part in sport and exercise and helps prevent a range of illnesses from depression to heart disease.
In conjunction with the foot health event members of the Society also met their constituency MPs to raise awareness of issues in their constituencies including access to services. This was very important due to the decisions made by Commissioners and spending plans.
Ralph Graham, Chairman of the Society said:
“We were delighted at the high level of interest in podiatry and chiropody services among MPs and Peers. The event helped ensure that Parliamentarians fully understand the importance of this cost effective service and their influence on Commissioners when allocating financial resources.
“Investing in podiatry services will help the Government meet its objectives to prevent illness, to reduce health inequalities and to promote healthy and active life at all ages.
“Podiatrists can often keep people walking, for example, when suffering rheumatoid arthritis or vascular impairment. This reduces costly hospital visits, surgical intervention and saves GP time.
“Podiatric surgery is a valuable additional service that provides day case treatment for the surgical foot condition in a timely and effective manner. It is not available universally and this inequality must be corrected.”
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Soc Chiropodists & Podiatrists 2-May-2007
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