PRESS RELEASE
March 12, 2007

Malcolm Moss MP steps up to support local podiatrists

Last month Over 100 Parliamentarians had their feet checked out by professional podiatrists at the Palace of Westminster’s first foot health check event. The event, led by the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists (SCP), provided MPs and Peers with the opportunity to find out more about this important and hugely popular service.

Malcolm Moss MP met with March podiatrist, Sarah Jane Hooper to discuss the issues facing the profession. Together they are trying to raise awareness of the important services podiatrists and chiropodists provide.

Malcolm Moss MP said:

“Podiatry and chiropody keep people mobile for longer, ensure everyone can take part in sport and exercise and helps prevent a range of illnesses from depression to heart disease. It is important that everyone who needs it has access to the services podiatrists provide.

“Investing in podiatry services will help the Government meet its objectives to prevent illness, to reduce health inequalities and to promote healthy and active life at all ages.”

Ralph Graham, the Chairman of the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists said:

“We were delighted at the high level of interest in podiatry and chiropody services among MPs and Peers. We wanted to ensure that Parliamentarians fully understood the importance of this cost effective service and their influence on Commissioners when allocating financial resources.

“Podiatrists can often keep people walking, for example, when suffering rheumatoid arthritis or vascular impairment. This reduces costly hospital visits, surgical intervention and saves GP time.

Malcolm Moss concluded

“Podiatric surgery is a valuable additional service that provides day case treatment for the surgical foot condition in a timely and effective manner. It is not available universally and in rural areas such as North East Cambs. It is currently very difficult for the elderly to get to treatment centers and this inequality must be corrected.”