It’s official – I’ve taken chiropractic right to the top!
During the past few hectic months, I haven\’t yet had the chance to share the details of my exciting trip to Parliament, where I chaired a meeting at the House of Commons.
Since being elected as president of the British Chiropractic Association last year, it’s my responsibility to represent our profession across the UK in various capacities. This time, I had the privilege of presenting our thoughts and ideas to the highest echelons of British politics at the Palace of Westminster.
For years, I have felt that chiropractic is both underrepresented and underutilised in our healthcare system. Many chiropractors, including myself, frequently hear from patients about the challenges they face within the current UK healthcare landscape—ranging from long waiting times and lists to a lack of feeling heard or understood.
I fully appreciate the immense pressures on our NHS, which constantly strives to deliver excellent population-centred care. Of course, it’s simpler for chiropractors, who primarily operate in the private sector, to provide the patient-centric care that everyone seeks when they’re ill or injured. Despite these differences, chiropractic is an amazing profession that I’m so proud to be part of.
Our patient satisfaction scores are outstanding and our success in treating musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions is undeniable. So why is it that chiropractors, who are part of a regulated healthcare profession alongside doctors, physiotherapists and dentists, are not more frequently considered by GPs to assist with the significant burden of conditions we can effectively address? It’s estimated that 30% of the population suffers from an MSK condition which, in turn, account for 30% of GP consultations, costing the NHS £5 billion annually.
During major sporting events such as the 2012 Olympics, the 2017 World Athletics Championships, and the 2022 Commonwealth Games, I collaborated with fellow chiropractors, physiotherapists, doctors, nurses, dentists, sports therapists, and even surgeons and radiologists.
These events demonstrated that we can work seamlessly with other healthcare professionals for the benefit of athletes and patients alike. If we are committed to providing the highest standards of care and treatment options for our athletes, why can\’t we extend the same level of support to every citizen across the UK?
So how did the meeting with our country’s leaders go, I hear you ask? It was a huge success! We heard from other healthcare experts, chiropractic leaders, and MPs. We engaged in meaningful discussions and addressed many of the questions. By the end of the day, there was a consensus that chiropractic care is well-positioned to help alleviate the UK\’s burden of MSK conditions.
MPs have offered their support once we develop a feasible blueprint to help shape the future of healthcare in this country. Whatever the result of the general election, this presents a great opportunity, with all political sides eager to reduce waiting lists. I firmly believe that chiropractic is perfectly positioned to support this agenda.
If you are reading this and wish to contribute, please let your GP know that you value your local BCA chiropractor and would like to see us working alongside physiotherapists, GPs and other medical professionals as a regular part of their team. Maybe you could even consider writing to your new MP.
I know this will make me sound like a politician but… now is the time for change. Let\’s seize this opportunity and make chiropractic care an integral part of UK healthcare!
