Menu
23/05/2006
Doctors urge NHS Trusts not to use complementary medicine
A group of leading British doctors has called on NHS Trusts to stop paying for complementary therapies.
The letter, which was reproduced in 'The Times', called for the money to be used for conventional treatments.
It said that the funding of "unproven or disproved treatments" such as homeopathy and reflexology was unacceptable, while access to other life-saving drugs, such as breast cancer drug Herceptin, were limited.
Thirteen scientists, including some prominent names in British medicine, such as Nobel Prize-winner Sir James Black and the President of the Academy of Medical Science, Sir Keith Peters, have signed the letter which was sent to 476 acute and primary care trusts.
The letter was organised by Michael Baum, emeritus professor of surgery at University College London and came ahead of a speech by the Prince of Wales - a long-time advocate of complementary medicine - to the World Health Organisation assembly in Geneva on the subject.
The letter criticises two initiatives on complementary medicine: one which is a government-funded complementary medicine guide for patients, prepared by the Prince's Foundation for Integrated Medicine; and the other, the Smallwood Report, commissioned by the Prince, which makes the case for increasing the availability of complementary therapies on the NHS.
The letter concludes: "At a time when the NHS is under intense pressure, patients, the public and the NHS are best served by using the available funds for treatments that are based on solid evidence."
A spokesperson for the Department of Health said that it was up to clinicians and trusts to decide on the best treatment for a patient.
(KMcA)
The letter, which was reproduced in 'The Times', called for the money to be used for conventional treatments.
It said that the funding of "unproven or disproved treatments" such as homeopathy and reflexology was unacceptable, while access to other life-saving drugs, such as breast cancer drug Herceptin, were limited.
Thirteen scientists, including some prominent names in British medicine, such as Nobel Prize-winner Sir James Black and the President of the Academy of Medical Science, Sir Keith Peters, have signed the letter which was sent to 476 acute and primary care trusts.
The letter was organised by Michael Baum, emeritus professor of surgery at University College London and came ahead of a speech by the Prince of Wales - a long-time advocate of complementary medicine - to the World Health Organisation assembly in Geneva on the subject.
The letter criticises two initiatives on complementary medicine: one which is a government-funded complementary medicine guide for patients, prepared by the Prince's Foundation for Integrated Medicine; and the other, the Smallwood Report, commissioned by the Prince, which makes the case for increasing the availability of complementary therapies on the NHS.
The letter concludes: "At a time when the NHS is under intense pressure, patients, the public and the NHS are best served by using the available funds for treatments that are based on solid evidence."
A spokesperson for the Department of Health said that it was up to clinicians and trusts to decide on the best treatment for a patient.
(KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 March 2004
Regulation will quality assure complementary medicine, says Minister
Better regulation of complementary therapists like acupuncturists and herbalists will reassure patients that they are properly qualified, Health Minister John Hutton said today. There are around 4,000 practising acupuncturists and herbalists in the UK - but they do not have to meet professional standards of training.
Regulation will quality assure complementary medicine, says Minister
Better regulation of complementary therapists like acupuncturists and herbalists will reassure patients that they are properly qualified, Health Minister John Hutton said today. There are around 4,000 practising acupuncturists and herbalists in the UK - but they do not have to meet professional standards of training.
14 February 2005
Bogus alternative therapists targeted in government crackdown
The Department of Health is set to introduce a series of proposals targeting underqualified acupuncturists and herbal medicine practitioners. The decision follows the publication of a consultation paper - 'Regulation of herbal medicine and acupunture' – which, the government said, received support from 98.
Bogus alternative therapists targeted in government crackdown
The Department of Health is set to introduce a series of proposals targeting underqualified acupuncturists and herbal medicine practitioners. The decision follows the publication of a consultation paper - 'Regulation of herbal medicine and acupunture' – which, the government said, received support from 98.
04 January 2005
Five further health trusts make foundation grade
Following approval by the independent regulatory body, five Trusts have been granted Foundation Trust status.
Five further health trusts make foundation grade
Following approval by the independent regulatory body, five Trusts have been granted Foundation Trust status.
23 February 2007
Letter bomb suspect remanded in custody
A man has been remanded in custody, charged with the recent series of letter bomb attacks in the UK. Miles Cooper, 27, a primary school caretaker from Cherry Hinton near Cambridge, was arrested on Monday afternoon. He is charged with 12 offences under the Explosives Substances Act and the Offences Against the Person Act.
Letter bomb suspect remanded in custody
A man has been remanded in custody, charged with the recent series of letter bomb attacks in the UK. Miles Cooper, 27, a primary school caretaker from Cherry Hinton near Cambridge, was arrested on Monday afternoon. He is charged with 12 offences under the Explosives Substances Act and the Offences Against the Person Act.
27 May 2009
NHS Recommends Acupuncture For Patients With Chronic Back Pain
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has recommended, for the first time, complementary therapies to treat chronic back pain on the NHS.
NHS Recommends Acupuncture For Patients With Chronic Back Pain
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has recommended, for the first time, complementary therapies to treat chronic back pain on the NHS.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
