Annual Convention 2007

The British Chiropody & Podiatry Association in conjunction with The SMAE Institute, held its Annual Convention on the 5th/6th October at Warwick University. The event was attended by 350 delegates made up of 300 of the regular dedicated members who always show their support to the BCPA by attending. While the BPCA welcomes and encourages Foot Health Professionals to attend, it is regretful that only a small number took the opportunity of coming and associating with the Chiropodists/Podiatrists of the Institute.

All participants enjoyed the informative and entertaining lectures given by: Drummond Goven BTec Hons (Podiatry) Senior Lecturer Anglia Ruskin University , William Liggins Bsc (Hons), FPodA Consultant Podiatric Surgeon, Dr. Sue Barnet PhD, Msc, BSc(Hons), SRCH DPodM, MChS Senior Lecturer University of the West of England Faculty of Health & Social Care, Prof. Steve West BSc, MPodA, FChS, MIPEMS Pro Vice Chancellor of University of West of England and Dr. Derek Kayanja MB, ChB, M.Phil, PGCL&T Director of Studies at The SMAE Institute.

Subjects covered were Clinical Governance – an overview, Hallux Valgus, a Podiatric Surgeons perspective, Verruca – an update of the latest literature, The Diabetic Foot, a Podiatrists role in the management of the high risk foot, CPD Portfolio’s, and Heel Pain – an overview of cases and management of heel pain.

We extend our thanks to the following traders who attended and to those who contributed prizes to The BCPA’s Benevolent Fund raffle;

· AC Medical
· Bailey Instruments
· BES Rehab
· Brosch Direct
· Canonbury
· Chiropody Express
· Foot Shop Ltd (Cosyfeet)
· Cuxson Gerrard
· DB Shoes
· DL Townsend
· Galderma (UK Ltd)
· Hilary Supplies
· Mobilis Healthcare
· Hyde Park Finance
· Three Counties Insurance Brokers
· PKA Autoclaves
· Patent Filtration
· Plinth 2000
· Podiacare
· Schulke & Mayr
· Swann-Morton
· Talarmade
· Timesco
· Wellow Books
· Vernon-Carus

The generosity of the traders in donating prizes was excellent. Many items were given which enabled the Benevolent Fund to make £609.00. Prizes given combined of a; DVD Player, Personal MP3 Player, Wheeler Stool, Ultra Sonic Cleaner, Circulation Booster Machine, Pair of Croc Shoes, Podiatry Books, various instrument kits and vouchers.

We extend a special thanks to the following who graciously sponsored parts of the convention: DL Townsend, Barclays Bank and Michael Burbridge.

All traders reported they had a good time at a well organised event, with many exceeding envisaged sales.

This year The SMAE Institute automatically issued each member a raffle ticket when they booked their place at the Convention, and the tickets were drawn by Michael Paynton after the last talk on Saturday. The winners were Yvonne Gibson who won first prize of a £150 cheque, and the second prize of £50.00 went to Jo-anne Shuttlewood. Congratulations to you both.

Plans are already underway to organise next year’s event, which is more than likely to be in a new location, but still central for everyone within the UK to travel to. Next years aim is to provide facilities which integrate all members together in one location, along with traders, so hopefully we can eliminate any problems of friends staying at separate accommodation blocks or people getting lost between buildings etc.

We hope to see you all again next year, as well as those who have not attended before (you never know you may well be pleasantly surprised at what a great event it is and sorry it took you so long to find out). And to the Foot Health Professionals out there, what are you doing? The CPD lectures at any of our events are just as important for you to learn as anyone else, so come on do not hold back, start coming forward and get involved with the rest of the Institute’s membership.