GOsC Equality Scheme discussion groups

As part of an exercise to revise and improve the GOsC’s Equality Scheme, the Council hosted two disability involvement fora, in late 2009, for representatives from the profession, students of osteopathy and patients.

Participants were encouraged to discuss the openness of osteopathy as a profession to disabled people, the practical support available for disabled people studying and practising osteopathy, and patients’ experiences of osteopathy and obstacles to receiving treatment.

Discussions from the patient group mainly focused on the accessibility of osteopathy from a practical point of view. Suggestions for overcoming obstacles to treatment included the use of symbols on websites to indicate onsite parking and wheelchair access, and the introduction of alternative methods for booking appointments, such as text or email. Participants also stressed how important it was for receptionists to be fully informed on matters such as nearby parking facilities and the accessibility of premises.

Issues raised by osteopaths and students of osteopathy included communication difficulties with the GOsC and the disparity between the osteopathic educational institutions in terms of resources and facilities for disabled students.

We are extremely grateful to all those who attended these groups for sharing their experiences, which will inform the work of the GOsC on equality.