The first aid course was run by BASP, the British Association of Ski Patrollers, which was ideal for the group, many of whom will be leading high level, hard and extra hard walks. As well as Basic Life Support, we had the opportunity to practice out of doors and learn about scenarios we are likely to encounter in remote outdoor situations. Our instructor was excellent. She is  a Mountain Rescue volunteer, a Ski Patroller and she is a nurse in the Cardiac Unit – we were in expert hands! Her confident, warm approach put us all at ease and we passed – yay!

It was great to meet some of the other walk leaders. I’m really chuffed to be a part of The Tryst this year (a big thank you to the Muthill Paths and Walking Group for putting me forward). It’s a fantastic week to explore Strathearn, with outdoor walks and mountain biking as well as a programme of educational and entertaining social events. Have a look round the website and see what takes your fancy. Strathearn is guaranteed to be buzzing next week! Maybe I’ll see you around…

In response to the final public consultation in 2009[4], I set up the Save Our Herbs website[5] and, with fellow Herbalists and concerned members of the public, took the issue to the Scottish Parliament. The response from MSPs was encouragingly positive, attracting cross party support[6] and resulting in a reception at Holyrood hosted by Mary Scanlon MSP. However, despite this obvious support, it has taken yet another year for a decision to be made.

When I graduated with first class honours in 2009 and joined the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH) I felt so positive about the future and excited to be embarking on a new career. However, the uncertainty about the impact of the EU directive cast a shadow over decisions on how to take my practice forward. With this announcement I can face the future positively again, secure in the knowledge that I will be able to provide my patients with the full range of medicines I have trained to use. The people of Strathearn can also be confident that their Herbalist is fully qualified and about to be regulated by the Health Professions Council.

Desiree Shelley, President of NIMH said

“The Government is to be congratulated on making the right decision to bring in statutory regulation for all those prescribing herbal medicines. Ministers have clearly recognised that this legislation is for patients’ benefit. The National Institute of Medical Herbalists looks forward to working with the Department of Health and Health Professions Council to implement this as soon as possible.”

How this all pans out remains to be seen but what is clear at the moment is that your local Herbalist will be able to supply you with a wide range of herbal medicines that otherwise would have been lost due to this EU directive. Watch this space for updates…

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmhansrd/cm110216/wmstext/110216m0001.htm#11021645000166

[2] Stationary office (2001) House of Lords Science and Technology – Sixth Report, 2000, http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld199900/ldselect/ldsctech/123/12301.htm

[3] Directive 2004/24/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 March 2004 amending, as regards traditional herbal medicinal products, Directive 2001/83/EC on the Community code relating to medicinal products for human use

http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32004L0024:EN:NOT

[4] A joint consultation on the Report to Ministers from the DH Steering Group on the Statutory Regulation of Practitioners of Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine and other Traditional Medicine Systems Practised in the UK http://collections.europarchive.org/tna/20100509080731/http://dh.gov.uk/en/Consultations/Closedconsultations/DH_103567

[5] http://saveourherbs.co.uk/

[6] Parliamentary Lobby a Great success! http://saveourherbs.co.uk/2009/11/12/parliamentary-lobby-a-great-success/

Thursday 10th February 7pm – 9pm

Victoria Halls, Dunblane

Learn about the natural approach to seasonal sniffles, try some tasty herbal remedies and take home a free packet of herbal tea.

£4 refreshments included

Further information on the group available from
Joyce Murdoch Tel: 01786 842 501
joycearoma@aol.com

Phone to book yours: 07719 343 337

Click here to find out more

The usual cost of a first visit is £35. A charge will be made for the herbal medicine, if dispensed. This will be £6 – £12.