COVID-19: MESSAGE FROM CHAIRMAN

We are all in it together

Following the Government's advice on Coronavirus (COVID-19), the UK is now in 'essential lockdown' from 23rd March 2020, for 3 weeks when it will be reviewed. There are some concessions that allow essential and key work to continue.

Clinical judgement is required from the service provider about the state and needs of the potential service user. In Podiatry and Foot Health, with membership and insurance through the BCPA and BAFHP (respectively), please note the following advice:

If you or anyone in your household is displaying COVID-19 symptoms (fever and a new continuous cough) OR has had a case of COVID-19 confirmed, there is to be no service provided for a minimum of 14 days.

In all other circumstances, you remain insured to treat patients, but you MUST exercise the highest clinical judgement before a decision is taken to provide treatment.

Due to the unprecedented action that has been taken both nationally and internationally plus the scale of this public health crisis to slow its spread, it must be a high bar that is used to judge the need for treatment.

The main considerations must be:

How likely is it that failure to provide treatment to this patient will likely stretch precious NHS resource further and unnecessarily?

Is the risk to the patients’ health of no treatment greater than the risk of them potentially contracting COVID-19?

The advice that applies in this message is to remain in place for the duration of the government-imposed ‘lockdown’. The situation will be reviewed continually and advice may change in response to advice from the Government.  

Patients you are concerned about can contact you by phone to discuss any foot concerns they may have. It may be possible to give advice on self-care measures and to reassess the urgency of their needs.

You must also consider the risk to your own health and that of your family.

I know this is a difficult and stressful time for us all and I wish you all to stay well. So, please follow the government guidelines for everyone's safety.

Kindest regards,

Deborah Mercer
Chairman BCPA/BAFHP

This illustration was created at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),

This illustration was created at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

SMAE ANNUAL CONVENTION

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FOR NOW UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE, ALL BRANCH MEETINGS AND EVENTS HAVE BEEN CANCELLED OR POSTPONED

Over the last few years, the SMAE Annual Convention has returned to the popular Oxford Belfry Hotel in Thame over the first weekend in October.
 

We always have a fantastic turn out from delegates and are glad to see so many people enjoying the chance to meet up with colleagues, the people they studied alongside, as well as taking the opportunity to network and make new connections. The Oxford Belfry is a fantastic venue; with excellent facilities for lectures, an exhibition room and extensive accommodation available. Students, Members and Non-Members are welcome to attend. There are various options for attendance; including day delegates, two day delegates, accommodation, gala dinner and quiz.

Upcoming events

As it stands at the moment, all branch meetings have either been cancelled or postponed until further notice. Please visit Events at The SMAE for more information.