Dear Member,
VACCINATION AS A CONDITION OF DEPLOYMENT FOR CQC REGULATED ACTIVITIES – UPDATE
On Monday night, the Healthcare Secretary, Sajid Javid, responded to concerns about a mass exodus of staff leaving the NHS and social care sector as a result of the Covid-19 vaccine mandate by announcing that the government will review the regulations. In the meantime, the deadline for unvaccinated NHS and social care staff to receive the first dose of the vaccine today, is no longer applicable. We will keep you informed of the outcome of the upcoming consultation.
INTRODUCING THE CITIZEN'S CORNER
Our recent UCA survey indicated that the vast majority of respondent members support the premise of freedom of choice in relation to health care, informed choice and bodily autonomy. In light of this and the ever-changing landscape of covid rules, guidelines, restrictions and parliamentary changes we as an association recognise the importance of keeping our members up to date and informed.
One of the UCA’s main core values is: “We commit to assist the process of self-empowerment with compassion and care, whilst respecting each person’s dignity, uniqueness and freedom of choice.” Therefore we bring you the new ‘Citizens Corner’ segment in our News & Views. The purpose of this is to act as a bridge to relevant information on issues that you may find interesting and with this particular core value in mind, impact or influence our community and those that we and you serve through regulated chiropractic.
To that end we are conscious that a majority of members were concerned about the potential impact mandatory vaccination of CQC regulated professions (of which the Chiropractic profession is not one it should be noted) would possibly have further down the line. The UCA board continues to maintain a watching brief and proactively seek opinions and avenues to make sure that our members voices are represented.
The broader issue surrounding the potential imposition of mandatory vaccination also lands from a humans rights perspective and as such we understand that many members have concerns and wish to be proactive in making sure the opinion is known. Thus it is appropriate to highlight that the human rights act is currently under review and this review is open to consultation. This is a bill that may affect many aspects of our individual rights including day to day life choices we make with our health. It is view from some quarters that the changes have the potential to emphasise public interests over that of individual responsibility.
The Welsh Government have published a statement highlighting their concerns and provide links within this statement to organisations members may find useful.
The consultation is open until 8th March. Due to the nature of this document familiarity with the issues raised are required and in the coming weeks we will have some responses available should you require further guidance on the consultation. Below are the links to the pertinent documents:
Further information can be sought by contacting UCA head office.
Yours in Health,
UCA Head Office Team
