Scientist to challenge Leicestershire MP at election over alternative medicines

“The decision to use any particular type of treatment, whether homeopathic or conventional, should rest with one person and with one person only: the doctor who has the patient right there in front of them. Not NHS managers, not journalists, not current or potential politicians.

In that sense, David Tredinnick's Early Day Motion was entirely *correct* as he was trying to take patient care away from the stuffed shirts in Whitehall and give it back to the medical practitioner.

Anyway - has anyone considered: what does a scientist with a PhD in *Quantum Physics* know about Medicines and Healthcare?”

“I could never have any faith in an elected representative who champions beliefs that the random conjunction of planets and stars in the universe governs our actions and outcomes. After 4000 years of gradually growing rationalist arguments it seems that there will always be those who are guided by astrology, tea leaves chicken entrails etc. It wouldn't be so bad if these folk were harmless, but what if governmental policy was decided in this way? David Tredinnick may be in the position of being the casting vote in a ballot, based upon his irrational beliefs.”

“Hello Danny, my 'ultra clever' comment regarding scientists was that they often seem to disregard anything that cannot provide incontrovertible evidence of its effectiveness or existence. There is more to this life than meets the eye. I personally would not blindly believe in what could be unkindly termed as 'quack' medicine. However, the mind is a powerful thing and if people believe in something then it can provide benefit. Sometimes alternative therapies can also be used in conjunction with modern medicine . There are some women who shop at Boots and buy creams and potions which they believe will make them appear young and attractive. Should these gullible people be protected from themselves also? Let people believe what they want to...if it makes them feel better why not...”

“I agree that there is a lot of controversy over alternative therapies. Ingeneral I believe that NHS treatment should be evidence based. However, I have 2 health conditions that have not been helped by any pharmaceutical treatment. They are however relieved, though not cured, by certain alternative therapies (not homeopathy - I have not tried that). Why should I not be offered any of these therapies on the NHS, they are conseiderably more cost effective than the medicines I tried that didn't work. As a person who works full time and wishes to continue to do so, it would be far more cost effective to give alternative therapy once a month than to pay me benefits as I become increasingly disabled. Currently I pay for my own treatments, but continue to pay into the NHS through taxes. Therefore I am paying twice.”

“Karin,
I don't normally address my replies to other people's comments but you start off by saying that you have no opinion but then criticise those that do. Your description of scientists as "ultra clever" seems (I apologise if I have got you wrong) to be critical of anyone who has actually investigated, learnt about the topic and knows the facts and can then comment from some level of authority.
And there is a reason to knock homeopathy and those that believe it works because, beyond the placebo effect, it doesn't work. Not only is it a waste of money but can prevent people taking proper medicine which might work.

At the government enquiry into homeopathy which David Tredinnick criticises the representative from Boots, when questioned closely about the evidence for homeopathy working could only say that they sell it because there is evidence that people believe it works.
That is a reason to make money from these gullible people, not a reason to pass it off as a medicine.”

“Whilst I have no particularly strong opinions on homeopathy or astrology I fail to see why attempting to puncture peoples' beliefs is so very big and clever. There is at least as much evidence for both as there is for religion so why do 'ultra clever' scientists try to destroy them. If it makes peoples lives a little easier and brings them some comfort then why try to crush them? Things such as acupuncture would not have survived the centuries if it was a 'snake oil' treatment.”

“Pseudo-science alternative hacks always pull the ¿science never studies it/ it's a conspiracy¿ type rubbish when challenged. Well Mr. Tredinnick, I¿m afraid the scientists do examine the validity of alternative medicines and those that work are called medicine. Homeopathy is just water, a 400 year old scam borne of the dieing days of alchemy, and if an elected MP cannot accept scientific evidence over woo woo, we will find ourselves heading in the direction of the Texas Education board before too long; re-writing history and science classes to suit the superstitious will of science deniers.”

“Bill,

If you must know I was taking my son to his fencing class. I do also have a shopping trip planned later with Mrs Kulgan. I do hope that appeases your issues.

Amy,

Thank you for the support and I do agree with you. I have broad shoulders and I can assure that you I loose no sleep whatsoever over Bill and his cohorts' comments.

On the story:

Not everyone agrees with homeopathy et al. There are those prefer the evidence based science method. I am also sure that there is such a thing as a 'placebo effect'.

When it comes to hard earned taxpayers money being spent by the NHS, I believe that we must stick to the evidence based treatments. But, that is my opinion.”

“Bill, if you were doing this in a classroom, I think you would find it is called 'bullying'.

At least Kulgan puts forward his opinions and comments regarding the story, not just childish, 'spiteful' little comments against others!”

“Kulgan, from Crydee?”