This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/health/7173026.stm
The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| Regulation plans for homeopathy | Regulation plans for homeopathy |
| (40 minutes later) | |
| A range of complementary therapies such as homeopathy and aromatherapy are to be regulated by a new body. | A range of complementary therapies such as homeopathy and aromatherapy are to be regulated by a new body. |
| The Natural HealthCare Council is due to begin work in April. Currently, anyone can offer a complementary medicine service. | The Natural HealthCare Council is due to begin work in April. Currently, anyone can offer a complementary medicine service. |
| The watchdog will set standards and have the power to strike off those deemed incompetent, although membership of the body will be voluntary. | The watchdog will set standards and have the power to strike off those deemed incompetent, although membership of the body will be voluntary. |
| The Patients Association said the move to regulate was "welcome and overdue". | |
| A spokeswoman for the charity, which provides patients with a forum to share experiences of healthcare, said the fact that anyone can provide complementary medicines and treatment had been a "a source of concern". | |
| "Patients will feel more secure as a result of this new body and they will know who to contact if they are unhappy with their treatment," she said. | |
| Cancer treatment | Cancer treatment |
| A lack of regulation has prompted calls for a body to monitor conduct and standards among complementary health practitioners. | |
| The Natural HealthCare Council will only register practitioners who have a recognised professional qualification, are insured and have signed up to the code of conduct. | The Natural HealthCare Council will only register practitioners who have a recognised professional qualification, are insured and have signed up to the code of conduct. |
| A spokesman for Penny Brohn Cancer Care, formerly the Bristol Cancer Help Centre, said: "With 280,000 diagnoses of cancer each year, more people than ever before are seeking therapies which complement their cancer treatment. | A spokesman for Penny Brohn Cancer Care, formerly the Bristol Cancer Help Centre, said: "With 280,000 diagnoses of cancer each year, more people than ever before are seeking therapies which complement their cancer treatment. |
| "We hope the new Council will highlight best practice, encourage research and build the evidence base. We also welcome any move to raise professional standards." | "We hope the new Council will highlight best practice, encourage research and build the evidence base. We also welcome any move to raise professional standards." |
| It is the UK's longest established centre for using integrated therapies to support people living with cancer and their families. | It is the UK's longest established centre for using integrated therapies to support people living with cancer and their families. |