Dear Member,

VACCINATION AS A CONDITION OF DEPLOYMENT FOR CQC REGULATED ACTIVITIES
 
As you may have seen in the news recently, the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) (Amendment) (Coronavirus) (No.2) Regulations 2022 has been passed by Parliament. As a result, Covid-19 vaccination will be mandatory for all health and social care staff carrying out Care Quality Commission regulated activities from 1st April 2022. This is referred to as Vaccination as a Condition of Deployment (VOCD). All NHS staff that are not vaccinated must receive the first dose of the covid-19 vaccination no later than 3rd February 2022 and the second dose by 1st April 2022 or risk losing their jobs.
 
The legislation is being challenged by various groups both within and outside of the NHS. At this time, there is no indication that this will be extended to the chiropractic profession. We are aware that this is a concern for some of our members and the profession at large. We are monitoring the situation and will let our members know should this change.
 
For chiropractors using x-ray we want to make clear that whilst diagnostic imaging is a CQC regulated activity, the use of x-ray by chiropractors is excluded from the definition of ‘regulated activity’ under CQC guidelines. The VOCD rules therefore do not apply to chiropractors that own or operate diagnostic imaging equipment. 
 
PPE & IPC GUIDELINES
 
Following the government’s announcement relating to the end of Plan B we have been contacted by members asking for clarification on the requirements regarding mask wearing. The UKHSA Infection Prevention Control guidelines states that ‘Recommendation for universal use of face masks for staff and face masks/coverings for all patients/visitors to remain as an IPC measure within health and care settings over the winter period. This is likely to be until at least March/April 2022.’ See section 2.1 of the IPC guidelines - Infection prevention and control for seasonal respiratory infections in health and care settings (including SARS-CoV-2) for winter 2021 to 2022 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
 
ADVICE & SUPPORT FOR UCA FULL MEMBERS
 
Since the reopening of Head Office in the new year, we have received a high number of enquiries relating to various matters affecting our members and we have provided further information below on the various forms of support available to our members.
 
Peer & Ethics - For queries relating to your practice, patients, complaints and procedures our fantastic Peer & Ethics team are on hand to support you, and queries of this nature should be directed to Head Office.
 
GDPR enquiries - The Independent Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is an independent government authority that provides information on GDPR and data privacy. It has a helpline you can contact on 0303 123 1113 and you can also visit their website for more information - helpline | Search | ICO
 
Legal & Tax Advice - Balens’ ‘UCA block’ policy holders; did you know that your insurance policy includes a free legal advice line provided by Balens’ underwriters’ DAS? This includes legal, and tax advice and details of the various advice lines available can be found in your policy document.
 
Medical Malpractice advice - If you receive a medical malpractice complaint, or an incident occurs that could become a medical malpractice claim then please notify both Balens and UCA as soon as possible.
 
And don’t forget that there are stacks of brilliant documents relating to advertising, patient forms, clinic procedures and much more available our website. This is accessible via the ‘Resource Centre’ in the Members Login (full members only) - United Chiropractic Association (bluetahiti.com).


Yours in Health,

UCA Head Office Team
Dr Sophie McDermott was a teenager when her dad experienced back pain that kept him from working. She accompanied him to his Chiropractor and was amazed at the impact it had on his life. From that moment she decided she wanted to help people in the same way.

Sophie enrolled at the AECC, graduating in 2011 and with her husband James set up the award winning clinics Summit Chiropractic, based in Watford and Hemel Hempstead. Sophie practices what she preaches, leading a chiropractic lifestyle. She is adjusted regularly, stays positive, eats well and exercises often. She hopes her example will help empower people to make better health decisions.

Sophie and James through their success in clinic went on to create Coach with Summit, where they now also help Chiropractors, Osteopaths and Physiotherapists maximise profitability, grow with confidence, and optimise their work/life balance.
Meet Sophie and James in Episode 4 of 33 Questions and take tour of Summit Chiropractic!
Last chance to bag a bargain, sale sends Monday 31st January!

Included in the SALE we are offering the following:

50% off Christmas cards
25% off AUKC Chiropractic leaflets
25% off Birthday and blank cards

Along with every purchase you will receive a FREE copy of the book 'Rich on paper poor on life book' written by Philip McKernan!