Let's look at the BUPA issue in recent years. I might add I have written to the CSP and the OCPPP (entire committee) on several issues about this in the past few years and have had little CSP response and NO OCPPP response.

I think it's time perhaps the UK's private practitioners looked at forming a new association?! Maybe then they will listen.

Firstly the age discrimination issue:

In October of 2008 the European law stipulated that you could not discriminate on age for any job application. Immediately BUPA fell in breech of this issue as by demanding 5 yrs post grad 'experience' (actually time past) to be on their books. Effectively this says that no one under the age of 26-27 can apply for this job contract with BUPA. (18 yrs + 3 for the degree + 5 for experience) So 27 is a minimum.

I questioned BUPA on their guidelines for the 'level of experience' required at the time and they said there was none, it was 5 yrs and that was that.


Secondly the 5yrs + and BUPA's own wellness clinics.

I am sure everyone knows that BUPA themselves recruit graduates of less than 5 years experience into their own clinics (some as little as 2 yrs). They justify this by saying they are under the observation of those with a minimum of 5 yrs experience. Not quite sure who they think we private practitioners are.

The result of the above is a restriction of trade issue

Thirdly, BUPA have told me I can only charge £45 for a half hr session when their clinic around the corner charges £53. This is ant-competitive and a restriction of trade.

All of the above point, and more, have been brought to the attention of both the CSP and the OCPPP

Let's go on.

In 2006 I wrote to the CSP explaining that the big issue lying ahead for new grads was this 5yr + issue and BUPA (and perhaps PPP who has stopped all physio's registering with their service).

Effectively what that meant was that no one under 5 yrs was going to leave the NHS as NO private practitioner was that keen to employ them without recognition of the health care companies. No one leaving means NO new jobs for new grads within the NHS.

By the time someone spends 5 yrs in the NHS they are unlikely to move into private practice. Thus no seniors leave either, the result even less new grad positions.

No let's look at the culling of the BUPA list under the current scheme, even less BUPA approved practitioners, practices will shrink, there will be more solo ([professionally isolated) practitioners and even LESS jobs for any physio outside of the NHS. Therefore no incentive to leave the NHS and NO new grad jobs for the future of the physio profession in the UK.

No I am taking a slightly extreme view on this but it will not be far from the outcome as I say this and the later ramifications whilst working in Canada in the 90's. Interestingly a similar situation that BUPA is trying to create was eventually deemed anti-competitive under the Canadian law and these super-clinics for the mass market has to disband their exclusive agreements. So BUPA will possible gain for a while but not forever.

This is an issue for the whole profession, not just the private practitioners. The NHS, the current new grads, the current students and the future students.

I would support a boycott of the tender process by the entire profession. I would also welcome media interest in this issue as BUPA are no longer offering their clients the practitioner of their choice. They will be offering one of BUPA's choice based on the cheapest offer on the table. No well established, well qualified and conscientious therapist will enter this agreement. Once their members know about it, let them react by walking. The media could have a field day with this.

Please make your comments and no that there will be a physio meeting held in central London next week (perhaps wed the 8th April) to discuss this on mass.

Watch this space.

OH and by the way the CSP continues to take advertising from BUPA for their inserts in the frontline publication. I also complained about this several times and they even printed my letter but did nothing about it. I suppose when their mismanagement has lead to financial problems they even take money from the enemy…Such a short-sighted approach to all their members’ livelihoods.