APPENDIX 25
Memorandum by the Society of Homeopaths
(MS 31)
1. SUMMARY
1.1 Homeopathy is ideal for women in their
child-bearing years as it is a gentle, yet highly effective, system
of medicine. Many women live with the discomfort of minor complaints
such as morning sickness, constipation or heartburn, during pregnancy
choose simply to live with these problems, rather than seek help,
because they are concerned about the possible side effects of
orthodox medicines on their unborn child. Homeopathic medicines
cannot cause side effects because only a minute amount of the
active ingredient is used in their preparation. As such, they
offer a real alternative form of treatment for women, both in
pregnancy and in childbirth.
1.2 The Society of Homeopaths believes that
the wider inclusion of high quality homeopathy in NHS provision
will complement and enhance referral and treatment options and
enable a larger patient population to access homeopathy for certain
conditions. The Society is working with the Royal College of Nursing
and the Nursing and Midwifery Council to ensure that nurses and
midwives have the necessary guidance to be able to treat patients
effectively using homeopathic treatment.
1.3 The Society of Homeopaths recommends
that all nurses and midwives using homeopathic treatments in the
delivery room and during after-care of the mother and baby should
attend a fully recognised course approved by an established professional
body, such as the Society.
2. ENHANCING
HEALTHCARE OPTIONS—REFERRALS
TO REGISTERED
HOMEOPATHS
2.1 Homeopathy is a complementary therapeutic
intervention that can provide low-cost, effective treatments for
a range of disorders that are often a continuous drain on NHS
resources. Homeopaths, like other specialists, can help relieve
pressure on GP surgeries. Waiting times for patients can be significantly
reduced when such services are provided.
2.2 There is mounting evidence from well
documented research of the efficacy of homeopathy across a range
of medical conditions. This means there is a firm basis for GP
referrals to homeopathic treatment. Whilst ultimate responsibility
remains with the GP, Registered Homeopaths across the country
are already providing an effective service to NHS patients.
3. HOMEOPATHY
FOR MOTHER
AND BABY
3.1 The many physical and emotional changes
of pregnancy may cause minor health problems, such as mild urinary
problems, diarrhoea, heartburn, anaemia, varicose veins, backache,
cramps, thrush or emotional distress. All these problems as well
as potentially complicated symptoms such as raised blood pressure
or oedema, can be helped by professional homeopathic treatment.
3.2 Homeopathic medicines cannot cause side
effects because only a minute amount of the active ingredient
is used in their preparation. They work by stimulating the body's
own healing powers. Homeopaths recognise that symptoms of ill
health are expressions of disharmony within the whole person and
that it is the person who needs treatment rather than the disease
alone.
3.3 By stimulating the vitality of a pregnant
woman, homeopathic treatment will automatically benefit her baby.
By remaining as healthy as possible during pregnancy a mother
gives her baby the ideal conditions in which to thrive. Many homeopaths
give adjunctive advice on diet and lifestyle to encourage a healthy
pregnancy and birth. Good homeopathic treatment prior to conception
can ensure a healthy pregnancy.
4. HOMEOPATHY
IN OBSTETRICS
4.1 Although few scientific trials have
been made to assess the value of homeopathic treatment of ailments
in pregnancy and childbirth, those few have revealed potentially
useful findings and the Society of Homeopaths would very much
like to see much more research effort going into this area. After
all, the application of conventional medicines during pregnancy
is fraught with problems, including possible damage to the growing
foetus.
4.2 Some evidence from research in Switzerland
supports the efficacy of homeopathy in obstetrics:
— studies report a positive influence
of homeopathic remedies on uterine contractility and the evolution
of childbirth (Hochstrasser B. Mattmann P, 1994. Homeopathy
and conventional medicine in the management of pregnancy and childbirth,
a Review, Zurich);
— a study comparing homeopathic and
conventional therapy in women with increased risk for contraction
abnormalities found fewer haemorrhages and decreased abnormal
contractions in patients treated with homeopathic remedies (Hochstrasser
B. Mattmann P, 1994. Homeopathy and conventional medicine in
the management of pregnancy and childbirth, a Review, Zurich);
and
— a study revealed that in pregnant
women using homeopathy the frequency of situations requiring a
Cesarean section was remarkably low (Hochstrasser B. Mattmann
P, 1999, Mainstream medicine versus complementary medicine
(homeopathic) intervention: a critical methodology study of care
in pregnancy, Switzerland).
5. WORKING WITH
NURSES AND
MIDWIVES
5.1 Following the House of Lords Select
Committee on Science and Technology (Complementary and Alternative
Medicine) Report November 2000, in which concern was expressed
about the practice of unregulated complementary therapies by nurses,
who may have attended courses which do not fit them to practice
safely in the therapy, the Society of Homeopaths seeks to become
an advisory body on standards of homeopathy within the NHS generally,
and for nurses in particular.
5.2 The Society of Homeopaths provides expert
advice to both the Nursing and Midwifery Council and the Royal
College of Nursing, including guidance for nurses treating patients
using homeopathic treatments whilst in their care, on the safe
and effective use of homeopathic medicines, and on homeopathic
training.
5.3 The Society currently recognises 24
courses in the UK, with students choosing from three years full-time
or four to five years part-time. A two year MSc is currently
being developed. The training courses offer diplomas or degrees,
with a Licence to practice homeopathy. They provide educational
development for nurses and midwives interested in using homeopathy
as an adjunct to extend their work in primary care, for example,
trauma, A&E, minor illness, obstetrics and general practice.
5.4 All Society of Homeopaths recognised
homeopathy training courses undergo a thorough validation process
and all have the same high standards. Accreditation of Prior
Learning (APL) is factored in at degree courses offered at the
University of Westminster and the University of Lancaster and
the modular format of these courses will be attractive to nurses
and midwives who are seeking part-time training. Nurses and midwives
who already hold a degree can take an MSc at University of Westminster
(two years). A further MSc is also being developed at Queen Margaret's
University, Edinburgh.
5.5 The Society recommends that midwives
using homeopathic treatments in the delivery room and during after-care
of the mother and baby attend a fully recognised course approved
by an established professional body, such as the Society of Homeopaths.
6. ABOUT THE
SOCIETY OF
HOMEOPATHS
6.1 Professional Registration—The
Society of Homeopaths is the largest and most representative body
of professional homeopaths in the UK and sets high level indicators
of professionalism and practice, thereby ensuring public confidence
about the safety and competence of RSHom's.
6.2 Competence—all Registered
homeopaths have undergone a peer review of their clinical and
administrative practice standards in order to conform to the required
Registration Standards of the Society regarding their competence
to practice.
6.3 Recognition—the recent
House of Lords Select Committee on Science and Technology Report
into Complementary Medicine (Nov 2000) praised the leadership
of the Society of Homeopaths in continually raising standards
within the profession.
6.4 Malpractice Insurance—all
Registered members have professional indemnity and public liability
insurance arranged through the Society of Homeopaths.
6.5 Accountability—all registered
members' professional behaviour and practice is governed by the
Society's Codes of Ethics, Conduct and Practice. The Society has
an established complaints procedure with appropriate sanctions.
6.6 Reflective Supervision—all
Registered members are expected to participate regular reflective
clinical mentorship programmes.
6.7 CPD—all Registered members
are expected and encouraged to participate in improving their
practice through programmes of continuing professional development.
6.8 National Occupational Standards—The
recent NOS for Homeopathy provide valuable criteria to assess
professional performance along with the Society's own Core Assessment
Criteria.
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