On Thursday, 11 April, the Rt Hon Caroline Nokes, MP for Romsey and Southampton North met with representatives of the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) at a local chiropractic clinic. Ms Nokes, accompanied by the BCA, met with Alex Dimopoulos, a registered BCA chiropractor at Romsey Chiropractic Clinic on Abbey Walk. Together, they delved into the diverse patient base that frequents the clinic, shedding light on broader healthcare access trends prevalent in Romsey and Southampton.
Amongst a range of topics, the pressing issues of NHS waiting times and the musculoskeletal (MSK) crisis emerged as paramount concern as it places immense pressure on public sector resources. With approximately 30% of the population suffering with MSK conditions, consuming 30% of GP appointments, and costing the NHS a staggering £5 billion annually. Alex articulated how his clinic was able to see patients much quicker than the NHS, often facilitating the speedy return of manual workers like landscape gardeners, thereby averting potential income loss.
The BCA underscored the escalating influx of patients grappling with long-term and overlapping health issues, necessitating a holistic healthcare approach. Cait Allen, the Chief Executive of BCA, said “It was fantastic to meet with Caroline to highlight some of the issues our members in Romsey and Southampton North are facing on a regular basis. We are grateful for her support and recognition of chiropractic as a regulated and qualified healthcare profession”.
Recognising the urgency of addressing the MSK crisis, Nokes welcomed the BCA’s ambition to be part of the broader healthcare discourse, advocating for a cohesive solution.
The BCA represents nearly 2,000 regulated professional chiropractors across the UK, each governed by the rigorous standards of the General Chiropractic Council and educated to Master’s degree level. Underlining their commitment to excellence, every chiropractor undergoes a minimum of 30 hours of Continued Professional Development (CPD) annually, ensuring their continuous enhancement and adherence to professional standards.
