The British Chiropractic Association hosted its annual BCA Excellence Awards in Birmingham on Saturday, announcing the winners from four categories nominated for by BCA members.
The BCA Excellence Awards are an opportunity to recognise the exceptional achievements of Chiropractors across the country, and to celebrate the BCA’s best-in-class members, demonstrating its patient-centred approach.
Philippa Oakley was awarded the BCA’s distinguished prize as the 2022 Chiropractor of the Year, for her specialised approach to patient-centred care and communication, particularly with those from marginalised backgrounds. Specialising in clinical LGBTQ+ inclusivity awareness, Philippa dedicates her work to affirming the care of LGBTQ+ patients and the impact this has on their outcomes from care working extensively with healthcare organisations, NHS Trusts, and Integrated Care Systems to provide training, education, and support to refine and develop EDI strategies, and enhance patient-centred communication. Most recently, Philippa has been involved in the ground-breaking NHS Rainbow Badges Assessment scheme as the LGBT Development Officer.
Chiropractor’s Chiropractor
Chris Chippendale, based in Sevenoaks, Kent, took home the Chiropractor’s Chiropractor award. The UK’s only certified Advanced Practitioner in Quadrant Analysis, Chris is a Doctor of Chiropractic and since earning his Masters has continued to further his skills and knowledge to provide the highest quality of care to his patients. He is a registered trainer for new graduate Chiropractors with the Royal College of Chiropractors, providing training seminars and workshops for other healthcare professionals. He is also a guest lecturer for Chiropractic students at London South Bank University.
New Chiropractor of the Year
Amy Burton, based in Teddington, Middlesex (Waldegrave Clinic), was recognised as the BCA’s New Chiropractor of the Year. A keen sports woman, Amy fully appreciates the importance of being able to overcome injury. She has effectively used a variety of techniques to help her patients return to normal life after injury, including spinal manipulation, myofascial release techniques, exercise prescription and ergonomic advice. Amy has been pivotal in organising weekly CPD meetings for constructing a patients outcome audit and organised IRMER compliance for the clinic.
Clinic of the Year
The Clinic of the Year award went to the Village Chiropractic Clinic in Staffordshire and was received by clinic owner, Jennifer Hudson. During the last 12 months, Village Chiropractic Clinic has developed their infant feeding community support. They have continued their existing parenting groups and strived to deliver further excellence in infant healthcare and parenting support. They’re working alongside the NHS to best understand the needs of parents in Staffordshire and have identified the need for the development of a peer support café to be set up at the Neonatal Unit at the Royal Stoke Hospital.
Winners were chosen based on the number of votes they received, and the content of their nominations being in line with the awards criteria.
BCA President Catherine Quinn commented, “We continue to be blown away by the quality of professionals that we have as part of our BCA membership. The level of nominations this year was incredibly high, showing just how much our members value each other and the feeling of comradeship up and down the country.
“Congratulations to all winners and everyone who was shortlisted. We are very proud of everything you have achieved, and wish you continued success going into 2023.”
BCA members reunited for the first time since 2019 at the awards, which took place as part of the BCA Conference: The Homecoming. The conference hosted several important discussions about some of the most important issues facing the sector and celebrated the BCA’s new Mission: to be the home of chiropractors who put patients first.
