The UK needs a united professional body

Simon,

So glad you put Mark right, at least we agree that Devon and Cornwall are NOT the same place. Mark still send them down with the thousands of other body arted visitors.

S your sky picture is a fake it's a blue screen from a computer, we all know Plymouth is shrouded in a fog of nuclear discharge and sun tan oil.

IMHO nothing wrong with pointy heads and chewing gum feet unless you try and flog orthotics, they just do not work. Anyway think on lower gornal and be contrite!

Last did they not shoot JL?

The data base thing is a great idea. I'm pretty sure the Society bought one to pursue their disastrous advertising campaign to HPC registrants.

No offense now you two but time to get real?

Listen to what Del says he knows.

Oh last thought yep we have been here a number of times, yet to date I have never read a completed 'manifesto'. I do not have one does anyone?

Bob

 

that was when common sense ruled Si, different values and principles.

Easier ? I dont know about that fella it had its moments, what I do know is this profession in this country must be the worlds best at self destruction:bash:

Cheers
D

 

They seem to help your rugby team. But then, the majority of them are not born and (in)bred in Cornwall and are just a bunch of pirates. You slags. All roads lead to Sedgley. You slags.

 

Sedgely, Sedgley,

Simon have you stared doing drugs?

Once treated one of the Cornish team, he went to school with my daughter, he broke my door walking through it, I said sorry.

He was Cornish his Dad and Mom were from London, dad was chief bouncer in a well known Cornish resort, mom was a famous waitress. All jolly fine people.

Having seen you I bet you were not a prop forward, me I hated the game give me basketball anytime.

Back to the thread?

Time for a mission statement.

Bob

 

Bloke in the village in Cornwall where I have a cottage is Cornwall Rugby mad.

Drunk 13 pints of scrumpy and then gave an interview to Radio Cornwall.........

Good interview...they breed em tough down there Donum

Cheers
D

 

Yep, allopurinol for my gout. And you? Back to the thread...

 

Once did an interview for Radio Cornwall from the top of a roof we were 'topping out' after 3 bottles of whiskey between the 3 builders do not remember how we got off the roof or out of the river we ended up in.

The house however was well blessed.

Tough the Cornish? Stubborn insular mistrusting then loyal lovely place to live.

Sadly the poorest county in England why too many locals with too many vested interests looking after themselves?

Remind you of anything?

Back to the thread?

 

Hi Bob

Thanks for the invitation in yours of 25-07 6.03am (as an owl, I'm in admiration!)

However, I was already finding the OP going sterile and had withdrawn before Master Spooner descended to his obviously natural level of infantile comment viz.

"Oh, no. That's were I draw the line: I'm a huge fan of Phoenix Nights. And now I'll just be imagining Bill in a wheelchair, patting a donation box for the blind every time I respond to him- thanks, fella. Singed into my mind, Mr Russell. Singed into my mind...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pzf0X72dVcU
"Lets: r, r, r, rave on" at the Institute; "that's fine if you're a single celled organism"... etc."

Whilst I will always support professional progress and did through the PA and many post dip organisations, and indeed applaud your idea, I did state previously that any thoughts of progress in this area will take a deal of maturity and Master Spooner's remarks clearly demonstrate how mature he is. Doubtless there are more like him, so I will decline further comment, but thanks anyway.

All the best

Bill

 

Simon,

Now living my 'profession' diabetic hypertensive and high cholesterol, plucking up courage to demand my viagra allocation, otherwise the odd zantac and far too much red wine, beer is out I'm diabetic.

Thanks for asking, now back to the thread?

 

Oh dear just what I was talking about insulting squabbling.

I'ts not clever its not helpful its bloody devisive unnecessary GROW UP as a profession and individuals or at least when you have pis**ed another member of the profession off at least have the manners and courtesy to apologise at the end of it ( sanctemoneous or not :hammer

I saw that coming Bill hence my intervention to try an head it off earlier in this thread

Sorry you appear to be ailienated.

Yep self destruct lets really go with it team

Unity ...Gimme a break :bash:

D:bang:

 

Thank you Simon

Admin

I have no ego I am the unwashed the muppett the anything else that has been thrown at me over the years.

I was simply responding to a reply. You perhaps forget I ( and those like me) that did not come through the uni way into the profession but are merely diploma trained have had YEARS of scorn and spite heaped upon us from usually uninformed biggots.

I want the profession in this country to move forward ( as Simon started the Thread stated) A UNIFIED profession.

The point is unless this is discussed and the predudice is challenged then it has no chance of success, and Simon is a prime example of predudice.

I have challenged him, let HIM justify his actions and remarks not you please

Cheers
Derek

 

No Derek, you are a prime example of the prejudice. Personally, I judge people on their merit and ability to move the profession in the UK forward. That is why I had no problem with co-writing a paper with a member of the profession who came not via a degree route, but rather was registered with the HPC as a podiatrist via the grand-parenting scheme. It's not where you came from, but where you are going. Some people will never go anywhere other than walking down their garden path to their own private-practice, others will move the profession forward.

And hang on a minute, you can't even be bothered to cast your hat in any corner... being as you suggest, not a member of any of the professional body's within the UK.

 

Typical. Sunning myself in the garden, so missed `the page`.....where can i get a copy?

 

Simon
I have NO predudice against anyone .

I have told you before I pay my insurance to one and have aliegence to none. THAT is my position.

I want this profession to move forward into just that a "respected proper profession" and I couldnt care less who or what does that.

BUT

It wil never happen unless ALL factions within the profession will stop sniping and insulting each other which does nothing but divide.

Aint hard Fella just common sense
Cheers
D

 

Si
nice of you to put the edit in after I had posted :bang:

Get on with it, as I said once respect now a very very sad day.

Admin
I bow to your multiple emails albeit not from Simon or me but those who will never allow a challenge to the old ways.:bang:

Again, the "lets complain and get the thread shut down" ploy has been used, and yet again .....thanks:bash:
D

 

So, stop sniping and insulting, Derek. It's very simple.

 

Nope wrong again just correcting the error of your ways Simon:wacko:
But
this aint going nowhere and I'm fed up with the same ol same ol so goodnight sleep well and you look forward to your brighter tomorrow:sinking:
Cheers
D

 

I guess it's that you have this idea that you are somehow superior to me and can "correct the error of my ways" which irks so much, Derek. Who were you again? I know who I am not, and your "lad" is one of them.

 

irk irk irk sonny :

When you grow up you will learn, trust me on that one

And now the thread will be closed albeit not one of the complainers have posted a protest on here, but I have dared to challange the great Simon so that cant be right can itigs:

Lets leave it Si, I'm bored
Cheers
D

 

Pathetic.

 

Some years ago I stood and was elected (sort of) to the Society’s Council. I had been a member of the Society when I graduated in 1983 but left during the early 1990s as I didn’t think the organisation was doing enough to promote the profession nationally. I had been active in the branch – and was chair of the local postgrad group for half a dozen years – so had built some experience of the Society. It seemed like an old boys club – only most of the ‘officials’ that I had met at that point were women. Culture over gender! In 1989 I lectured at the Midwest APMA conference in Chicago and during the next three years I worked out of Boston for Fern Medical who were manufacturers of cryosurgical equipment – and I was fortunate to visit many colleagues in practice – private and hospital as well as all the colleges of podiatric medicine in the USA. It was an enlightening and sobering experience – far removed from the NHS single chair chiropody clinics that I had been working in back in Scotland since graduation.

I did have a private practice then – and I thought it was pretty good at the time – the best equipment I could purchase in a superb location within a Victorian townhouse. But compared to some of the practices I visited stateside – it seemed woefully inadequate. When I returned to the UK in 1992 I continued to work for Fern for a year or so – setting up a UK and European sales team – and during that time visited many colleagues in the UK. That too was a sobering and enlightening experience especially following my recent experiences in the USA – as I came to realise the size of the gulf that exists between podiatric practice in the two countries.

What we have to remember is that most people who populate this podiatry forum are still very passionate about what they do and what they provide for their patients; and to one extent or another, they will make up the best of UK podiatry. Of course there are exceptions – there are no doubt piss-poor clinicians who contribute here and there will be many exceptional ones who don’t. But by and large, if one takes time to sit down and contribute on their subject of choice on a regular basis, then that is still a good indicator that the passion and drive for our vocation still burns strong. But for many that is not the case. Disillusionment in our profession is still a great problem with all the attendant issues such a mindset produces. There are many practitioners whose care is pathetic, at best; dangerous, at worst. I know of some who even lie about what they do – and getting out of podiatry almost becomes an obsession. That is a great shame as this can be a fantastic profession with great rewards for those whose dedication and commitment reaps immeasurable benefit for the people we care for.

There are two primary escape routes (aside from the criminal and insane); management and surgery – both now with the benefit of Faculties at the Society – whatever that means. But for me, general podiatric practice is still the real gem – one never quite knows what to expect when a new patient comes through the door. Nothing is ever routine. The level and standard of care you provide is directly commensurate to the knowledge and understanding you hold – the greater that is, the more rewarding practice becomes. But general podiatric practice is still very substandard on a national scale – simply because it has never had the investment in needs to flourish properly.

I wrote Reforming Foot Health Services in 2002 following a series of meetings with the then chancellor, Gordon Brown and Alan Milburn, the Health Secretary. My recommendation was essentially a transition to a practice based system similar to the dental model, where clinicians’ owned their own surgeries and were directly contracted to the NHS on a new tariff which rewarded good patient management. It was a mix of public and private care and offered patients choice over who they could see. They could chose which practice they wished to attend. When I joined the Society’s Council, I had hoped to convince my other colleagues to back such a strategy and promote the idea to the membership. Boy, was I naïve! Naïve for a couple of reasons. Firstly, politicians have their own agenda and it’s not necessarily – indeed rarely – in the public interest. And podiatry simply isn’t there in the political consciousness – unless you are able to get contentious issues aired primetime television or radio – then it is simply “managed”. Secondly, the Society couldn’t change direction. The organisation simply doesn’t know how – like most institutions really. Indeed my experience was that it was the Executive that led matters rather than Council – the tail wagging the head, in other words. The direction of the organisation was primarily geared towards the NHS - which is understandable given the membership make-up – but in my view, that hindered progress. I don’t think it can change – hence my view of Simon’s original question.

Sometimes it pays to take a step back and view the landscape afresh. As Simon has said – take carte blanche – a clean sheet and sit down. If you have been fortunate enough to visit colleagues in other countries, consider how their system works and how it can be improved. Think of the undoubted potential you know exists with our profession – and try and work out – from scratch – what the best way is to establish a podiatry practice network – and more importantly, how to maintain it. I have a fairly good idea of what I would like to see – and I have a reasonably good idea how we could get there (i.e. fund it) and how it can be maintained to make it flourish. I am quite happy to share these views and debate them with you but I really can’t be bothered to do so when so much frustration spills over into the dialogue. It serves nobody well and to be honest there are other battles to be fought and things to be achieved and time to be better spent away from podiatric politics.

However, in the small hope that you may still be inspired….. what would you do to establish the best practice network for the coming generations of practitioners of our profession and what organisation would you charge to deliver that change?

 

Mark,

You asked: "what would you do to establish the best practice network for the coming generations of practitioners of our profession and what organisation would you charge to deliver that change?"

Clearly the best practice network is that which has a central core to direct, and branches to serve individual groups of members.

The best network example I know of currently is that run by the British Chiropody and Podiatry Association (BCPA). Before you all shoot me down in flames let me explain that numbers attending the BCPA Branch meetings I've been to were a direct mirror of the very successful Society Branches of the early 70's - with numbers at least in the 30s. One meeting at Lincoln I counted almost 70 members. Members are enthusiastic, with very little of the negativity we see displayed by some here, and at the last few SCP meetings I attended. Information is disseminated down to the Branches directly.
The central core (SMAE) provide CPD, and an annual conference which is well-attended, as is the separately-run Summer School.

The SCP uses a similar model but unless things have changed drastically since I was a member their Branch meetings are nowhere near as well attended or motivated.
The Institute Branches are smaller but enthusiastic. I have no personal knowledge about the Alliance.

There is no organisation currently in existence which can fulful the criteria of best practice network for coming generations of practitioners, although the existing model could work well.
The Institute would be my first go-to if they were bigger.
Given their previous history of "guiding" the UK profession through NHS employment, PP, local analgesia, foot surgery, and registration leading to closure, I view the actions of the SCP with deep mistrust.

I would also up current entry qualifications and downsize the yearly intake of new students, as has already been done, I believe, with physiotherapy students.
However that's the subject for another thread.
Certainly when I was last at Durham School of Podiatry I saw some students who should never have been allowed on a Podiatry degree course - IMO of course.
Have we diluted our professional enthusiasm in a rush to put (some unsuitable) bums on seats?
I think so.

 

DavidH

'I saw some students who should never have been allowed on a Podiatry degree course'

I would add, and once would never have got on to such a course. The change I`ve detected may be more general than specific, have heard the same from other professions. Oh for GCEs !

Maybe the unprofessional insults and self aggrandisement displayed in this thread is symptomatic of a decline in behaviour across our society.
I prefer to put it down to the hot weather, Podiatry Arena's equivilent of last summer`s riots ! Let`s hope so.......

 

I certainly wouldn't have. But I was interviewed, carefully, for my place on the Diploma course. And not allowed into one School.
Unlike the stories we heard a few years ago about failed Physio applicants being headhunted to do a Pod degree (Brighton I believe. Someone please correct me on that if wrong).

 

Thanks David. I can understand where you are coming from however I view all the existing bodies the same way – they all have their collective baggage and I don’t think they could make the best vessel for the way forward. Ideally a new organisation would seek to encapsulate all under its own umbrella – but with very different aims and objectives – and structure. I envisaged something grander. A practice network owned and controlled by the profession, for the profession.

If we think of podiatry in isolation for a moment. We have a fair idea of where we stand in terms of importance in society. Without our skills and knowledge, life for many would be difficult. We are a necessary service, if not vital, to maintain a quality of life we have come to expect. We also have a fair idea of what ‘best’ practice should entail, where we would like to see our scope of practice develop further – surgery or biomech or even cosmetic – and of course, what rewards we would like to achieve in delivering that care. But presently we rely completely on government – through the public purse in the NHS – to provide us with new graduates and thereafter an environment where they can practice and gain an earning. Those who don’t must ply their skills in the open market.

In practical terms we have over a dozen State funded schools in the UK – perhaps even fourteen, I’ve lost count – whose processes are controlled predominately by the state, in terms of entry qualification, syllabus, funding etc. We have – as a body of professionals - only a limited say on how we develop and practice – an advisory rather than a negotiable role through our existing professional bodies – predominately the Society. At some point, however, I do feel we need to take a little more responsibility for our own development, perhaps urgently, given the perilous state of public finances. When we reach that point then I think this might be an option for a way forward.

I mentioned a new organisation – the British Podiatric (Medical) Association – just as an alternative name – call it what you want. Its first aim should be to target every practitioner on the current HPC register (and I know that currently excludes me before any wag points it out!) as a member. Its second should be to establish a national campus which would include a British School of Podiatry with full undergraduate facilities including accommodation – a nationally recognised Foot and Ankle Hospital - the two working together. As well as podiatry we could platform courses for allied professions such as orthotists, lab tachnicias. Our surgeons could even sell courses for interested othopods within our sugical facilities. Administrative offices obviously with membership facilities including a conference centre and lecture halls and research facilities. A self contained centre of excellence. That’s the physical stuff but the major change would be a shift in practice environment and development – where and how we practice in the community.

Podiatry is a viable commercial entity and with the right structure, it could be an extremely profitable one – not just in monetary terms. I would like to see a new profession take on a greater business development role – as well as providing the usual member services, insurance, benevolence , etc – with a view to setting up a practice franchise network – new build or practice conversions – under a nationally recognised brand – say British Foot and Ankle Clinic. Ideally, I would like to see group practices with podiatrists working in their own area of specialism – general practice, biomech, surgery, wound and at risk, cosmesis and Footcare – with clinical assistants and full secretarial and administrative support. We can work well and compliment each other. But we need the right environment to do it. If we can provide that environment on our own, without reliance on others whose own agenda may not be in our own – or our patients – best interests, then I think that would be significant advance for our profession – if not for society generally!

Ok, that’s the structure and primary aims of a “new” professional body – the next questions are - how is this pie in the sky funded and would we be allowed to make this transition?

It could be funded largely by ourselves. If there are presently 14,000 registered clinicians who gain their living from podiatry – then that is a significant resource. I would hope a new organisation could develop a business plan and model to its members with the aim of raising a significant fund by debenture or share issue – a £1,000 debenture from each registered clinician raises £14 million – you can do the maths up to £10,000. If we can achieve that alone then the profession becomes an extremely valuable entity with the ability to seek further funding both in the City and industry – as well as a number of charitable sources, including the National Lottery Fund. Over time, the profits from the franchise network can be used to repay member share or debenture options – with interest. Essentially we make the investment for our own future – including coming generations – and reap the rewards ourselves.

I don’t underestimate the cost – but if we are ambitious and determined enough in equal measures – we could fund it and make it work. We should also seek to maintain our practice environment by developing a dedicated health insurance cover for our patients – that seems to be the way things are going in the market and if we are to seek a commensurate income for the value of our skills, then we should seek to assist our potential customers in whatever way we can. If there is still a desire to provide our care free to those less well off through NHS provision, then we do it on our terms in our facilities – to the same standard of care we provide for our fee paying -insurance or not - customers. At no loss of income to our clinicians. On the subject of maintining a practice environment I do think we should set our stall out fully to the public with a dedicated registrar for our members - our own regulator - to our own high standards. It would be a brave move to ask our members to shift from the HPC with all the attendant political issues - but I think again we could make the case for it in the public arena. The public have lost faith in the current institutions and rightly so. Providing our aim is the betterment of our care, then I think we could have their confidence.

In time, I would hope the profession could develop its own pension fund for its members as well as a range of benevolent/insurance services for those who encounter difficulty in their lives. We do what we do best when we are sitting in a chair and we know what we’re going to do for the person in front of us. And in the right environment in the knowledge that we are well respected and recognised and rewarded for what we do – that would represent significant progress too.

Would we be allowed to make the transition. Why not? We are the profession. Self determination can be a noble cause indeed! And an irresistible force for momentum.It would be easy to make the case on every level. Can we do it? Well, that’s another question altogether.

What say you?

 

Mark,

I was going to back out of this debate gracefully, then I was going to answer Davids atrociously inaccurate representation of the BCPA but you have scuttled those posts.

I suggest we have a second poll that says 'who thinks Mark Russell is barking mad'.

No disrespect intended Mark, it's just your plan is full of flaws.

Take the 14000 to start with at least 4,500 work either in the NHS or education. Do you really think you will shift them?

Another unknown quantity work on the feet outside of Registration you have not addressed them.

What signs have you seen of any government giving up control of any profession, so how are you going to dislodge the HPC from owning our name?

Ask roseville how many pods sent him a cheque for his HPC fighting fund?

Ask the members of the BCPA if they are willing to give up their certificates.

Where does domiciliary practice fit into your model?

I could go on. What you propose is a big business monopoly, with AQP perhaps it could work??

Bob

 

Oh dear, Bob. Sometimes I can see why you succumb to the demon drink on rooftops with semi-clad builders! Next time, try it under a blue sky.

All the best

 

so no answer to my scepticism?

 

You have to look within yourself to answer that, Bob. Anything is possible if you are determined and brave enough. How do you compensate NHS pods - you assist them into practice - they will have TUPE terms with the NHS which will help in terms of redundancy and pensions, but I think there may be a desire to cut the public purse again soon and I think we might even have government support in taking an entire workforce out of the public arena - in part. Unregulated - you educate the public and you seek legislation for functional closure on the grounds of public safety and confidence. Government Ministers would sell their granny for a succesful advance in healthcare. Make the case. Whatever the obstacles - and there would be many - you seek a way round. You keep focussed on the goal. If all you can see are problems though, you're looking in the wrong direction.

What do you see from the rooftop, Bob? Surely the builders don't have your undivided attention all of the time? What's your ideal professional future?

 

Hi Bob,

Here's my answer.
Having never been involved with the BCPA how on earth do you know anything about them, apart from what you have heard from the SCP (and that'll be impartialigs and on forums?
Simple answer - you don't.
I have been involved with both the SCP and BCPA and can speak with a little authority on both.

I'll just point out that a little later in the post I did say that there is no organisation in the uk who could currently match the criteria sought by Mark.

Several times in the past you have posted that " this profession (podiatry) is sh*te". I think you did in a thread recently. Well, that's your opinion, you are entitled to it.
But if that is what you truly think you are possibly not the best person to comment on plans, any plans, to change the profession.

I'm up for it Mark. I suggest we look at securing outside funding first, from insurance and other sources, possibly big pharm now that Bill et al have the prescribing moving along nicely.
Don't rely on the membership - all we'll get are the enthusiastic ones, and they are thin on the ground.

 

Hi Bob,

Here's my answer.
Having never been involved with the BCPA how on earth do you know anything about them, apart from what you have heard from the SCP (and that'll be impartial ) and on forums?

Sorry David but information is fairly easy to gather on most subjects.

But my point about your healthy branch system was to compare like with like, I believe there are about 13 branches of the BCPA in the country as opposed to in excess of 45 Society branches, some are large some are small, the number of meetings per year varies but could be an attendance factor, as is how closely the branch is involved with the NHS, usually 50% of the branch membership.

I have read the contents of the annual conference and be truthful it is pitiful compared to the Society.

I do not care I am not a member of any organisation but feel compelled to question dubious claims.

Simple answer - you don't.

Too simple I do.

I have been involved with both the SCP and BCPA and can speak with a little authority on both.

Is that authority or bias?

I'll just point out that a little later in the post I did say that there is no organisation in the uk who could currently match the criteria sought by Mark.

I do not see that Mark has proposed a criteria, his master plan is to wrestle the profession from the present controllers.

Several times in the past you have posted that " this profesion (podiatry) is sh*te", that's your opinion, you are entitled to it.

It is just look at why this thread was closed, the ‘profession’ is disunited and driven by self-interest.


But if that is what you truly think you are possibly not the best person to comment on plans, any plans, to change the profession.

Who are you to judge whether someone is competent to comment on the profession, I did my ‘hard time’ in the Society I have watched the changes over the last 17 years, I have seen what has and has not worked, I am basically a realist.

I'm up for it Mark. I suggest we look at securing outside funding first, from insurance and other sources, possibly big pharm now that Bill et al have the prescribing moving along nicely.
Don't rely on the membership - all we'll get are the enthusiastic ones, and they are thin on the ground .

I wish you luck, I think first you would need to expand on Mark’s outline plan and do some serious costings and time scale projections. You will also have to form a management committee. A mission statement would be a good start.

Mark

Anything is possible if you are determined and brave enough.

If only that were true, what a wonderful world this would be?

How do you compensate NHS pods - you assist them into practice - they will have TUPE terms with the NHS which will help in terms of redundancy and pensions, but I think there may be a desire to cut the public purse again soon and I think we might even have government support in taking an entire workforce out of the public arena - in part.

And how do we deal with the multi disciplinary teams dedicated to such conditions as Rh and diabetes complications?

Unregulated - you educate the public and you seek legislation for functional closure on the grounds of public safety and confidence.

Now that would be very interesting so half of the BCPA and the Institute members are ostracized? Plus the trainers will ask you to prove your claims and you cannot.

I saw lots of people with unrealistic dreams they all eventually ended up bankrupt.

Sorry I'm a dedicated bottom line person, in one incarnation I was a management consultant trained to examine work practices suggest changes but they always had to be backed up by evidence and costing.

What is your time scale for your dream, we used to plan on 1 year 5 years and 10 years I think now even 6 months is way in the future.

Do not get discouraged it is good practice trying to convert a sceptic.

Bob

 

I would suggest that's just the bones, David. I'm not the first pod to think about what could be and won't be the last. I'm sure most everyone can identify with having such thoughts. Pull it apart - suggest your own model - all thoughts welcome.

In practical terms you would seek a handful of "volunteers" who might work on a draft business model synopsis - which you would consult and debate on online - then send it out with a letter of introduction and explanation to all registrants, setting out clearly your aims and objectives. I'm sure a list could be easily procured. Ask for a donation of £100 then set up a working group to develop and expand the business plan engaging whatever professional help and advice within budget before reporting back for consultation again. Develop a website for the new body with fully interactive facilities including webcasts. Publish the strategy document and mail it to every registrant with an application form for membership. Simon suggested polling the profession. I agree. But offer them a viable choice first.

By the way, the above is only a suggestion, not a promise. The sun's still shining outside! 'nuff from me.

 

(Mucho cut).

Here we are Bob,

In reverse order (bit like Miss World....).

Criteria:
The organisation would have to - allow the best practice network for the coming generations of practitioners of our profession.

I didn't compare the SCP Conference with the BCPA Conference. I didn't say it was better, or worse. What I was pointing out was that the BCPA system is, in the main, very successful. The SCP less so.
The SCP Newcastle-upon-Tyne branch (pop 200,000+) in the 70's had a regular 50/60 members attending. I was there - I was one. The last SCP Branch meeting I attended in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and bearing in mind I brought another new member along, was in 1992 or 1993. I think there may have been 10 people there - maybe less.

Size may well have something to do with it, so maybe any new organisation needs to be small.

Got to walk the lurcher - I'll check in later.

 

BAGSHOT: Good grief Mavis, whasssat?
MAVIS: Mhmm whaaat? Bagshot? What time is it?
BAGSHOT: Never mind Mavis, did you feel that? Did you feel the bed shake?
MAVIS: What? What happened? Is it your IBS again?
BAGSHOT: No woman! It was a tremor or something. I felt the bed shake and there was a growlin' sound. Maybe it was an accident or something. Did you hear it?
MAVIS: No silly. It might have been an earthquake right enough. There was something on the news about it earlier. Said we get them all the time and we could get a big one any day. The world could come crashing down your ears as if it hisnae already.
BAGSHOT: Not in our lifetime, Mavis. Nor in our lifetime....

 

Get over yourselves boys. Isn't this about making our patients comfortable and ambulant?
Stop arguing about nothing.
Grow up...
Some people in our profession are good at what they do, and some aren't. Who cares what letters they have after their names?

 

Elizabeth,

I think you have failed to understand the subject of this thread.It is not about the client, nor practitioner competence, nor letters after one's name.

It is about who is best able to represent the practitioner and by extension the 'profession' with the aim to ensure the profession has control over it's own destiny.

That of course would eventually impact on your concerns.

Perhaps you have some thoughts on that?

Bob

 

Gentlemen! You are all gentlemen aren't you?
The reason why you can't unify the profession is simple.
Because it is too diverse. It ranges from leading edge podiatric surgeons who've been around for thirty odd years, to fifth rate home visit bods, who are still sticking felt pads on toes thirty years after silicone was introduced.
Dentistry did not improve it's own image, that was done by the toothpaste companies in the 1950s who started advertising their products, and raising awareness of dental health and hygiene.

 

Elizabeth brilliant you have cracked it.

All we need to do is get the footcare product manufacturers like Scholl to run an advertising campaign for their self care products and the clients will come flooding to our door?

Makes sense to me.

Could make a good motion for the delegates assembly.

Bob