Dear Member,

CE is just around the corner and we can't wait to see you there! Ticket sales close at midnight tonight, so if you haven't yet secured your virtual or in-person ticket don't miss out!

For those registered, an event email with all the details you need for the weekend will be with you very shortly.


GCC CONSULTATION ON DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING
 
We have been informed by the GCC that earlier this year the Council instructed an expert panel to review the scope of x-ray use in chiropractic settings following the coroner’s inquest into the death of a patient in 2017. This was presented to the GCC Council in September 2017 together with draft documentation on proposed changes to x-ray use by chiropractors.

 
The GCC propose implementing the guidance in 2022, which will reduce the grounds upon which they consider the use of x-rays to be clinically justified. The guidance further seeks to exclude the use of imaging after patients have received a course of chiropractic care, except in limited sets of circumstances such as fractures, malignancy, and scoliosis when there is potential for progression over time.
 
The background document and discussion paper that formed the basis of the draft document can also be found here - 2021-10-18_Background_document_to_guidance.pdf (gcc-uk.org); 2021-10-18_Discussion_paper.pdf (gcc-uk.org). 
 
The UCA recognises the importance of diagnostic imaging in our members’ practice, and the pivotal role x-rays play in being able to assess, diagnose and treat patients. We are therefore opposed to the use of x-rays being limited to that of other healthcare professionals without accounting for the context of care undertaken by chiropractors and how this may differ. We maintain that justification of x-rays is the remit of the chiropractor fulfilling their duty as the practitioner and health care professional, in accordance with the current Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 (IR(ME)R). This process will be informed by factors which are applicable to chiropractors which may not be relevant to other healthcare professions. We have responded to the GCC as such, and we will also be providing a formal response. 
 
This is an important issue, and we encourage our members to complete the GCC consultation – GCC Consultations | GCC (gcc-uk.org) which will remain open until 28th November 2021.
 
The GCC Council will meet in December 2021 when the consultation period ends, with a view to implementing the draft guidance in 2022.
 
To assist us in formulating a response that is representative of our members’ views please also send your comments on the draft guidance to us at; contact@unitedchiropractic.org with GCC Consultation on Diagnostic Imaging in the subject heading.
 
 
PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION
 
Not only do we have CE to look forward to this weekend, we also have a new UCA President being confirmed! After 3 years of leadership and loyal service to the UCA, Paul McCrossin’s term as President will come to an end, and the new President will be introduced. 
 

AGM
  
The Annual General Meeting will take place at the Hilton Metropol at 5.30pm on Friday 5th November 2021, and it is open to all UCA members. If you would like to attend please pre-book using this link - Join the guestlist for Annual General Meeting 2021 at Hilton Metropole NEC - Birmingham, Fri 5 Nov 2021 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM (tickettailor.com)


Yours in Health,

UCA Head Office Team
CE 2021 Speaker Spotlight:
Jaco van Gass
 
Jaco van Gass was severely injured in Afghanistan in 2009 whilst serving in the Parachute Regiment. He lost his left arm and sustained multiple other life changing injuries.

Overcoming adversity and hardship, he has trekked to the North Pole, attempted Everest, summited multiple mountains and ran multiple marathons.

In 2014, he joined the British Para-Cycling team with dreams of becoming a Paralympian. He has since become a Triple World Champion and a Double Paralympic Champion and 3 x World Record holder in Tokyo 2020.