Over 100 Parliamentarians will have their feet checked out by professional 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), will provide MPs and Peers with the opportunity to find out more about this important and hugely popular service.
Each set of feet will be closely examined by a podiatrist, who will ask general questions about their foot health, analyse the way they walk, and further examination and treatment if necessary.
The event is 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 high quality of life.
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 will be meeting their constituency MPs to raise awareness of issues in their constituencies including access to services. This is especially important with regard to the decisions made by Commissioners and spending plans.
Ralph Graham, the Chairman of the Society said:
“We are delighted at the high level of interest in podiatry and chiropody services among MPs and Peers. We want to 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 31-Jan-2007
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