Photograph Details
|
Getting a referral
Your GP acts as 'gatekeeper' to the full range of treatments available to you as a patient. It is therefore necessary, as with most other treatments, that you ask your GP for a letter of referral. Referrals are subject to the service agreements your Primary Care Trust has with providers of NHS homeopathy. If your Primary Care Trust does not have a service agreement with a provider of homeopathy it may still be possible to access NHS homeopathic treatment through an arrangement known as OATS (out of area treatments).
B A C K to list.
Asking your GP
According to a recent survey, nearly 40% of GP partnerships in England now provide access to some form of complementary therapy for their NHS patients. However, if you find you have to convince your doctor that homeopathy is right for you, don't let this put you off. In our experience those patients who do persevere in asking their GP for homeopathic treatment do get a referral.
B A C K to list.
Where next?
Once you have obtained a referral, you will be treated either at one of the homeopathic hospitals throughout the country, a homeopathic clinic or by a homeopathic doctor practising privately.
B A C K to list.
Your rights to homeopathic treatment
The Department of Health has confirmed that doctors can refer a patient for homeopathic treatment within the NHS. However, patients do not have an absolute right to any treatment on the NHS (including homeopathy), as clinical and funding judgements are always made before patients are referred to particular services.
B A C K to list.
Support for patients
If you are unfortunate and experience difficulty obtaining treatment you may be able to get help and advice from the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) in England. Alternatively, contact the British Homeopathic Association on 0870 444 3950 for advice.
B A C K to list.
What if my GP is not supportive?
Some people have difficulty in obtaining treatment because of the attitude of their GP. As a patient you have the right to choose your practice from a list of those providing treatment in your area. Your NHS Trust (in the phone book) will be able to provide you with a list of GP practices in your area.
When choosing a GP it is worth discussing with them their attitude towards homeopathy and complementary medicine.
B A C K to list.
Complaints
You have the right to have any complaint about NHS services investigated and to receive a full and prompt written reply. Who you complain to will depend on the nature of your complaint. Your local PALS can advise you and guide you through the procedure.
If a doctor behaves unethically or unprofessionally you can complain to the General Medical Council, Regent's Place, 350 Euston Road, London, NW1 3JN on 0845 357 0022. If your complaint is specifically to do with a doctor who is a member of The Faculty of Homeopathy you should write to the Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee at the Faculty of Homeopathy.
B A C K to list.
How can I make my views heard?
NHS Trusts are responsible for making decisions about the funding of the NHS locally. The boards of Primary Care Trusts are required to hold their meetings in public and to take the views of local people into account. Many boards give members of the public an opportunity to ask questions and make comments at their meetings.
B A C K to list.
What you can do
We are committed to the widespread availability of homeopathy across the NHS. Join our campaign by writing to your MP and asking for their support and by becoming a friend of the British Homeopathic Association. We can provide you with further information to help you campaign successfully to improve the level of homeopathy provided by the NHS where you live. |
C O N T A C T U S