BCHA

British Chiropody and Podiatry Association East Anglia (BCHA East Anglia), is one of the largest Chiropody bodies in the private sector serving, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex & some  surrounding counties.

Our members are either Chiropodists (Podiatrists) or Foot Health professionals.  They may be consulted with or without referral from a Doctor, for the treatment of any foot related condition.  In addition, many of our members are qualified to provide other services such as: Hypnotherapy, Refloxology, Bio-Mechanics and Cryosurgery.

Foot Health Professionals

Graduates of the College of Foot Health Professionals are designated "Foot Health Professionals (FHP)" but are not automatically entittled to register with the Health Professions Council (HPC), they are registered members of the British Association of Foot Health Professonals, and are welcome into the BCHA East Anglia Branch.

Our Public Service

We serve the public, by offering the highest standard of Chiropody service when most needed.

In addtion to surgery based practices,  most of our members also provide a Home Visiting Service (domiciliary), for those who prefer to be treated in the comfort of their own homes.  They will also visit Nursing Homes & Day Centres. An essential service for those members of the public who are elderly or immobile.

Shirley Crickmere ( President & founder)

The East Anglian Branch of the British Chiropody Association was formed by Shirley Crickmere in 1985.

Upon returning from her studies and commencing her practice, Shirley realised that it would be beneficial to discuss with colleagues the care and treatment of patients. This would be very much in step with most health disciplines, where colleagues are at hand to discuss matters of mutual interest.

Since the SMAE did not have an East Anglian Branch Shirley checked to see if this could be achieved. Shirley then spent many hours in the local library, where she gathered the names of all the local Chiropodists in the region and wrote to them.

The response was excellent and a meeting was called at the Masonic Hall Newmarket, where the SMAE sent a representative, John Hopson, to guide the formation of the branch. The East Anglian Branch was thus born, a cocommittee formed, and members agreed to meet every other month, with the meetings held in different towns throughout the region.

The meetings saw some very interesting venues: a nursing home in Sudbury, a beautiful house at Kessingland with it's sun lounge overlooking a swimming pool, and many other comfortable village halls.  However eventually it was decided to meet in Newmarket permanently, as this was consindered central to all East Anglia.

Committee meetings were held at Shirley's practice in Victoria Cottage. A constitution was written,  job descriptions for Officers were established, and the criteria for disciplinary hearings were finalised.  Plans were made for the next eighteen months schedule to include study days, lectures and demonstrations.  As the professionalism in the workshps increased the branch was able to invite other health professionals from varied disciplines for interesting discussions.

Members were ecouraged to network and form links with other professionals in their vicinity.  The branch continued to grow in stature and education, to the benefit of members and ultimately the patients.

Meetings, study days and workshops are now held at the British Racing School in Newmarket, whos excellent facilities include modern lecture theatre, computer rooms, restaurant and lounges.  Situated in the lovely East Anglian countryside, these facilities are most conductive to study and for meeting colleagues.