12 October:
Local MP Adrian Sanders is supporting the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) on World Arthritis Day in calling for improvements in services for people with rheumatoid arthritis.
The theme of World Arthritis Day 2010 is ‘let’s work together’. On 12 October 2010 NRAS members, health professionals and Adrian will be working together to raise awareness of RA and of what needs to be done to improve outcomes for patients.
This World Arthritis Day, Adrian will be supporting a motion in Parliament to raise awareness and speaking to local NHS bodies to encourage them to prioritise arthritis care.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic and disabling autoimmune disease, affecting about 690,000 people in the UK[i]. It has no known cause or cure[ii]. It remains a major cause of people not working – almost 30% of people with RA surveyed by NRAS in 2007 gave up work within a year of being diagnosed with the condition[iii]. The overall cost of the condition to the UK economy is almost £8 billion each year[iv].
Adrian said: “There are, on average 1,061 people with rheumatoid arthritis in each constituency. To support NRAS on World Arthritis Day, I am working with them to raise awareness of rheumatoid arthritis and the importance of early diagnosis so that people can get the treatment they need at an early stage and continue to enjoy life and work with the condition.”
Ailsa Bosworth, Chief Executive of NRAS said: “We are delighted that Adrian Sanders has chosen to work with NRAS to put rheumatoid arthritis back on the agenda in Parliament and raise awareness of the condition in their constituency. NRAS is committed to ensuring that services are fully coordinated across the whole health service and improving outcomes for people with rheumatoid arthritis.”
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Notes to editors
1. The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) provides support, information, education and advocacy for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and juvenile idiopathic arthritis and their families, friends and carers. NRAS also provides support and information for people with RA to help them remain in work and effectively manage their condition. We are also a resource for health professionals with an interest in rheumatology, and work closely with rheumatology teams across the UK. Our goal is ‘a better life for people affected with rheumatoid arthritis.’
2. Reports from the National Audit Office[v] and Public Accounts Committee[vi] underlined the need for national action to improve outcomes for people with rheumatoid arthritis. Joint working is vital to ensure that we capitalise on the opportunities provided through the NHS reforms by securing full integration between the NHS, public health and social care services.
3. World Arthritis Day is the highlight of a year round campaign run by EULAR for people with rheumatic diseases. The theme for World Arthritis Day 2010 is ‘Let’s work together’.
4. For more information about NRAS and World Arthritis Day please contact Jenny Snell on [email protected] or 01628 823524
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