President’s Address

President’s Address 2021

Dear Members, Directors and Fellows, my very warmest welcome to this the 66th Annual General Meeting of the Institute of Chiropodists and Podiatrists.

After yet another unprecedented year, many of us, including myself have experienced a variety of changes in our working lives. Some colleagues have taken early retirement, whilst others have elected for a complete change of tack, embarking on a new challenge that they may have wanted for some time.

During the pandemic there have been numerous inspirational people who have put their own problems and daily difficulties aside in order to help others, a lesson which is really humbling.

Many members and people’s, “just by chance”, meetings continue to be a great source of inspiration. One such person is Podiatrist Alice Murray (CH035907), who initially trained in Durham and qualified from the University of Salford. Due to personal experience of losing a parent through complications from Diabetes, this lady has made it her mission to set up a clinic in her family’s home town in Narobi (Kenya). The clinic will be housing a Diabetologist, Tissue Viability Nurse, a Chiropractor, also an internal medicine Dr and a Physiotherapist. This dream will become a reality on 1st June this year, and now is one of three Podiatrists registered in Kenya. Any donations of Equipment, podiatry related goods or monetary donations will be most welcome. As with most countries it’s the people who cannot afford healthcare that tend to suffer the most.

Alice would be happy to welcome anyone (after Covid restrictions cease) and show interested parties the clinic and to see what they are trying to achieve for themselves. Currently staying in the Mount Kenya region called Nanyuki, well known for where the British Army Barracks are stationed, Alice has already contacted their Medical Officer in order to offer treatment to the Soldiers.

I must state I have received full and direct permission from Alice Murray to pass on her contact email: almurray62@gmail.com. I would like to wish Alice and her team all the very best for the immediate and long-term future.

I would also like us to remember our members that have passed away during the last 12 months, whilst we remember their hard work and dedication and character they brought to the organisation. This March saw the opening of the CORU register for our colleagues in Southern Ireland. Wishing them a smooth and successful conclusion.

There have been, and still are, an abundance of quality online courses. To be fair, I am probably one of the most “technically challenged” practitioners, alas that won’t stop me trying to improve my skills in that area.

Very well done to all the Branches/Regions who have regular zoom meetings to keep members in the loop and giving each other a sense of being part of an organisation that isn’t afraid of change or adversity, we embrace it and look for the positives in it. This indicates we are a strong organisation willing to adapt and “step up to the challenge.”

I am happy to report that we are now working partners with the Motor Neurone Disease Association in order to broaden ours and our affected patients’ knowledge and understanding.

Thank you to all of my colleagues on the Executive Committee for all of their hard work and contributions throughout the year. Also, to Jill, Julie and all the staff at Head office for their continued work.

Finally, thank you to you, the members, for your continued support and input. As we look forward to the year ahead, relaxed restrictions and hopefully to seeing you in person in the near future.

Linda Pearson

President, The Institute of Chiropodists and Podiatrists