Podiatrist: I will go to jail to protect my patients

Re: Podiatrist: I’d go to jail to protect my patients

John:

I never suggested that podiatrists "de-register" or "let their registration lapse". Please show me where I ever suggested a UK podiatrist "de-register" or "let their registration lapse" to support Mark's cause. You won't be able to because I never said that or even suggested that.

Support for Mark can involve things such as letter writing, meeting with government officials, calling media outlets with concerns about bad policy, writing articles for publication in media outlets and attending Mark's legal hearings like Belinda and others did. I'm sure Mark would appreciate all the help he could get from his podiatric colleagues. A little help goes a long way in these types of situations.

 

Re: Podiatrist: I’d go to jail to protect my patients

Kevin,
Unfortunately, in the UK you are more likely to find support in the form of a dagger in your back. Beware the ides of March.

 

Re: Podiatrist: I’d go to jail to protect my patients

I'm kind of getting that message in following Mark's journey. I guess it is somewhat like the time when you to pronated a patient's foot with an orthosis while you were still teaching at the University.

Don't get out of line....or else!

 

Re: Podiatrist: I’d go to jail to protect my patients

Kevin

If you re-read what I wrote you'll see that I made no such suggestion. Just that being over the pond you'd be unlikely to see a lot of what has been going on unless it was something that 'hit the headlines' !

Regards

 

Re: Podiatrist: I’d go to jail to protect my patients

Really? What exactly? Somehow I don't think rattling the china behind closed doors is that effective or has been particularly successful over the years. Have I missed something? Anything?

 

Re: Podiatrist: I’d go to jail to protect my patients

Mark

Most of the suggestions from Kevin in lobbying have gone on, there's a place for all approaches, low key to high key but I agree nothing has been effective so far. I and some others (probably more than I know of) have been irritating the HCPC since it's inception so you can be sure they are aware of objectors as well as yourself. If it were easy it would have already changed.

Maybe you're not aware of my attempt to form a voluntary General Podiatric Council, several made contributions (finally returned) but the profession displayed 'high powered inertia', our biggest drawback; I don't recall you supporting us !

I've no doubt there may be some in PP considering de-registering but holding back because of the insurance issue. A couple of posts back I asked you where you obtained cover for podiatry where it was not invalidated by not being registered. Perhaps you can tell us, it may assist a groundswell.

Regards

 

Re: Podiatrist: I’d go to jail to protect my patients

Et tu, Simon?

I think we shouldn`t allow the apathy, ignorance or indeed spite, which features heavily within the profession, prevent us (even if it appears we may be of the minority) from supporting those who are more forward thinking . And those forward thinkers include the likes of you and Kevin, whose ideas have in the past been derided and not appreciated by the majority, at the time. But look at where you are today; internationally recognised experts in your field.

Happy Birthday, BTW :drinks

 

Re: Podiatrist: I’d go to jail to protect my patients

John

Irritating the HPC is not likely to prove an effective strategy. You would be better airing your views to the local Gravesend newspaper. No doubt when you consult your Trench Warfare Manual WWI standard issue you will find a section on "hopeless action" with a caution for the ranks to "learn from your mistakes". The HCPC functions within its legislative remit and operates as per its statutory role. It is the legislation that needs review, not the organisation - but the question was, how best to do that?

Your GPC idea was similarly doomed. Voicing a dissatisfaction with the regulator is missing the point. It matters not who delivers the regulatory function - I accept a profession led organisation would be preferable - but it is the primary legislation that is important. I would be perfectly happy for the HCPC to continue to regulate my profession provided it did so without endangering the public and denigrating the profession. An adjunct of protection of function would suffice.

I wouldn't ask anyone to deregister, but you could write as I have previously suggested - to the HCPC and copying it to your MP and the Secretary of State for Health. This is an important juncture for the profession and demonstrable support for functional closure might just secure that goal - which would certainly be an improvement, don't you think? Indemnity Insurance is not a condition of practice - unfortunately - and asking the insurance companies to restrict cover to registrants would prove impossible - as any legislative or regulatory changes would be restricted to UK jurisdictions alone. You can purchase PII from a number of international brokers and companies - but I would recommend Balens for good service in the UK. But as most folk have their cover with the Society, John, I think that is largely irrelevant.

I have to agree with Kevin - I have been disappointed with some of the commentary and I think Simon has a valid point; one borne from experience, no doubt. Few emerge from the battlefield without bearing some scars (contrary to the WWI Field Manual).I did write some time ago it might prove a momentous day - perhaps it didn't reach that level, but it was important. But witnessed by only three other members of the profession. Can you imagine the impact that a hundred podiatrists might have made on the day? Thankfully the Honourable Judge Pontius was very enlightened and understood the motive behind the protest, but he must have thought it curious that so few others in the profession thought it worthwhile to show up to witness a matter of such importance. Please don't think I'm castigating you - I haven't sought support or to influence or inculcate anyone, you especially - but some of the comments here have been disappointing in recent weeks. It might be a good time to pull together for once, don't you think?

Kindest
Mark

 

Re: Podiatrist: I’d go to jail to protect my patients

Mark:

Well said, and exactly my point. One does not need to deregister to show support for Mark. I would think that about 100 letters written to Judge Pontious by your UK podiatric colleagues in support of your actions to improve the healthcare law would be very timely now.

Please list, Mark, the snail mail address for Judge Pontious here on Podiatry Arena. I will personally send a letter to him from my private practice in Sacramento, California, giving you support for your cause from across the pond. Maybe this will encourage your other podiatric colleagues who live a little closer to you to also do the same. I would also encourage those Podiatry Arena regulars to send Judge Pontious a letter in Mark's behalf, no matter where you live. This will make an impact.

Keep up the good work, Mark!

 

Re: Podiatrist: I’d go to jail to protect my patients

Thanks Kevin - that would be very kind. His name His Honour Judge Timothy Pontius, Master of the Bench c/o The Old Bailey, London EC4M 7EH.

 

Re: Podiatrist: I’d go to jail to protect my patients

Seriously? I thought 'Pontius' was a metaphor!

 

Re: Podiatrist: I’d go to jail to protect my patients

http://www.middletemple.org.uk/members/masters-of-the-bench/directory/3080/?showall=true&page=1

 

Re: Podiatrist: I’d go to jail to protect my patients

That's the fella. Hats off....

 

Re: Podiatrist: I’d go to jail to protect my patients

Mark

Writing as you suggested, done that.

Re: your comment on legislative remit, you've agreed exactly with my point on Simon's other thread GPC.

The GPC idea failed initially due to lack of support, it was never directed to the HCP.

Yes, insurance is not a condition of practice (it is planned), but that was not my point, it was possible invalidity if unregistered ? It is certainly not irrelevant, no reputable practitioner would practise uninsured and if the Protection of Title legislation is found to be flawed many in PP may choose to deregister. If insurance were conditional on registration it would be a problem and I'm afraid you're wrong as many insurers require registration. As you allowed your registration to lapse I assumed you would have investigated this and found a company that was happy with that situation. From what you say it would seem that the SCP do not require registration, must say I'm surprised, can anyone confirm !

No, It never crossed my mind that you would castigate me but you have influenced me ! Wouln't do If we all thought the same would it.

Regards

 

Re: Podiatrist: I’d go to jail to protect my patients

Heaven forbid! But I do think there are time when we have to set aside our differences and work towards a common goal - if we a truly serious about achieving it. Thank you for writing - I wonder if you would be kind enough to upload it here? You are a far more eloquent writer than I and I'm sure it will prove an inspiration to others less confident.

All the best
Mark

 

Re: Podiatrist: I’d go to jail to protect my patients

My letter is on its way across the pond. Hope it helps Mark!

 

Re: Podiatrist: I’d go to jail to protect my patients

Good point Caroline. Perhaps the gentleman in the chemist in our town would be well advised to heed this eh?

 

Re: Podiatrist: I’d go to jail to protect my patients

Congratulations Mark. I have been following this with great interest along with a colleague of mine. Rest assured, a big letter is in the post . Once again, good on ya.