2nd Annual Conference held on 28th November 2005

We held our 2nd Annual Conference on 28th November at Regents College Conference Centre in London on Monday 28th November. We had 65 attendees, some of whom came last year and many new faces this year. From the feedback forms that we received, it appears everyone enjoyed the day.

• ‘excellent day, excellent venue, excellent food, see you next year, many thanks’
  
• ‘my first conference and I was very glad I came. Janice’s talk was particularly interesting and useful as I plan to set up privately. Case studies are always useful to hear. Food was fabulous. Conference is a good motivator for me to focus more on the acupuncture side of my role as a drug worker’
  
• ‘enjoyed the day. I thought the speakers were good, very interesting and informative. Good luck’
  
• ‘thanks for inviting me. Well worth attending. I enjoyed it thoroughly. I look forward to learning more about the ‘Trip to China’ and will be attending the next Conference’

The food again was superb. We did have some very interesting speakers who enlightened us with their auricular acupuncture experiences.

Mike O’Farrell, Chairman of the British Acupuncture Council explained that the Statutory Regulation of Acupuncture procedure has slowed down. This is because of the Shipman report and the subsequent Foster review which has highlighted many flaws in the Health Service. A report on the Foster review is due to be published in January 2006 and from there we will wait and see. I think it will be at least another 2 years before the Acupuncture profession will be statutory regulated.

Peter Sayer, a Prison officer from HMP Norwich (also a Comprehensive Auricular Acupuncture practitioner) and Jane Sharland, a Prison officer from HMP East Sutton Park (also a Detox Practitioner) gave interesting and lighthearted talks on their auricular acupuncture experiences in and out of the prison service.

Pat Hand, Chief Executive of the Surrey & Region Open College Network gave an interesting talk about her organisation. The OCN accredits courses that are run by further education colleges who focus on adult learning. They have a flexible approach, recognising achievement, not failure. Our College is working closely with the Open College Network to get our courses accredited which will give our qualifications National status.

Janice Leonard, one of our Comprehensive practitioners, who works in private practice, gave us some very useful information and tips on how to successfully market your auricular acupuncture business.

Jonathan Tarr, our Chairman, spoke about a trip to China he is hoping to organise next year. He is visiting Beijing over the Xmas period with a view to arranging something. Watch this space!!