Homoeopathy has been available under NHS provision since 1948 by Act of parliament. Historically this provision has been through a few GP's trained in Homoeopathy or via one of the 5 Homoeopathic hospitals (outpatient) that were established. These hospitals are still operating and represent one avenue of treatment - however it is unsure how long this situation will last. Also the waiting lists are long (typically 12-18 months) and locations are difficult
A new development has been the provision of some Homoeopathy services locally at GP Practices. During "fundholding" these types of service began to increase as GPS were able to spend money on services that they thought useful to their patient lists and community. Unfortunately, under New Labour this freedom has vanished and these types of services if not already gone seem to be under some threat.
However there is some hope as a few services remain which hopefully will be able to develop and show value within the NHS.
One such service (maybe the only one at present in England) exists at St Margaret's Surgery, Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire.
Here ANDREW WARD R.S.Hom has run an NHS clinic for the last 14 years. They have published an audit evaluation and report on the service called: Report on NHS practice-based homoeopathy project
Analysis of effectiveness and cost of homoeopathic treatment within a GP practice at St Margaret's Surgery, Bradford-on-Avon, Wilts.
Dr E. Christie MB ChB
MRCPsych
Andrew Ward LCH R.S.Hom
This report, for the first time, shows unquestionable benefits
and savings to the practice and the NHS. An important
document.
Available from:
Andrew Ward - contact: andrew@homoeopathyuk.org
Cost: £5 + £1 p+p. Cheques to Homoeopathy Uk Ltd and send to :1, Crown
Court, Woolley St, Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, BA15 1BG
Links:
www.fimed.org
(Foundation for Integrated Medicine)
