|
As the year ends, it's uncertain whether we sit at the brink of a new era of safer, better regulated complementary healthcare workers, or if 2010 will bring risks to patients, and leave good acupuncturists and herbalists in limbo. In an election year, many MPs will feel that this is a remote technical issue affecting few people. It's up to all of us to tell them that it's not. Thankyou to all of you who have written to your MP. 2009 has also brought many positives: NICE guidance acknowledges the usefulness of manipulative therapies and acupuncture in back pain - and North East Essex PCT has led the way by mainstreaming these services for patients. The Faculty of Integrated Medicine has opened offering a rounded education in integrated health to many doctors and nurses. Substantial European funding has been announced for CAM research. The Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council is gathering momentum - take part in our competition to win a free complementary health session with one of their members. We end 2009 by bringing you the voices of some of those who have seen an integrated approach making improvements in their own lives, and the lives of their patients. Dr Anna Forbes and nurse-turned-reflexologist Margaret Hensman will both be blogging for us into 2010 - do leave them your comments and questions. Meanwhile Michael Dooley and 12 GPs are now safely back from China - read more of their adventures here. From everyone at FIH, have a great Christmas and a happy new year.
| 
