BACK PAIN CAMPAIGN GOES TO PARLIAMENT

Cllr Peter Phillips, Lib Dem Policy Spokesman on Shropshire Council, is continuing his pressure for chiropractic, osteopathy and acupuncture to be provided by the Shropshire PCT (Primary Care Trust).

Peter said "These are proven treatments.  They keep thousands of people mobile and out of hospital.  NICE - the government's watchdog - last August (2009) issued guidance to local health services to provide them on the NHS.  What is Shropshire doing?  NOTHING!  Not only that - their Board has no plans to review the matter. Indeed - no review of what therapies it'll commission - is even contemplated!  Where is NICE in enforcing its guidance?

Parliament

"Last Week Norman Lamb MP (Lib Dem Health Spokesman) tabled a written question to the Minister of Health, Ann Keen, to find out how many PCTs offer osteopathy/chiropractor/acupuncture on the NHS - and she doesn't know!"

Mr Lamb added "I shall be interested to see how Peter's initiative works out.  It seems the Minister of Health is spending billions but doesn't know how it's being used!  And its watchdog, NICE, is not able to tell them.   And NICE is unable to enforce its own guidance!  What a mess!"

Cllr Tracey Huffer added "I know - I work in the health service - that these treatments work.  NICE is quick enough to stop PCTs prescribing drugs it thinks are too costly, so why can't they enforce these effective preventive therapies? I intend to put the matter on the Scrutiny Panel agenda.  We need to argue the case for those hundreds of people who endure back pain.

 

For further info ring Peter Phillips on 01588 650625

Notes for editors

1. Shropshire PCT does not commission these therapies - nor is it reviewing its commissioning Strategy (for anything!) in the near future.
2. NICE guidance in Aug 09 advised PCTs to commission them.