Regulation plans for homeopathy


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 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

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.

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."

It is the UK's longest established centre for using integrated therapies to support people living with cancer and their families.

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