31/1/07
BOURNEMOUTH WEST M.P. CAMPAIGNS FOR FOOT HEALTH SERVICES

Bournemouth West M.P., Sir John Butterfill, recently attended a foot-check event and lobby of MPs by the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists in the House of commons.

John is concerned that foot health services are a low priority for health service providers.  He is particularly concerned that fewer vulnerable elderly people are getting the good foot care they need to prevent complications, retain mobility and independence and avoid falls.  He said “With an ageing population it is vital that primary care services such as these are developed”

Primary Care Trusts are responsible for ensuring that comprehensive foot health services are commissioned.  Yet, largely due to financial constraints, many have reduced their expenditure on foot health services and have developed eligibility criteria which seek to exclude people identified as ‘low risk’. 

The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists is the professional body and trade union for registered chiropodists and podiatrists.  It represents around 10,000 private practitioners, NHS podiatrists and students.  The event was organised with the full support of Diabetes UK, Help the Aged, Age Concern and UNITE (BT and Royal Mail Pensioners).

In addition to having a personal foot health check up at the event, podiatrists were on hand to provide John with further information about this essential part of the health service.

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