Co-production in action – voices heard and lessons learned

Guest blog, with thanks to the panellists Claire Blamey, Gareth Gault and Shabir Aziz for their feedback.  

As we prepare for publication of the report of the ARMA Inquiry into MSK and health inequalities, we look back at how the voices of those with lived experience of MSK conditions have been vital – from the initial evidence gathering to discussion of the dissemination plan.  

At the inception of the inquiry process we recruited a panel of paid lived experience experts who brought their unique perspectives of different MSK conditions, backgrounds, and experience of the health system and MSK services to discussions.…

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NOA webinar explores Physician Associates in Orthopaedic services

The National Orthopaedic Alliance (NOA) recently hosted a webinar exploring the role of Physician Associates in Orthopaedic Services. This virtual session shed light the integration of Physician Associates into orthopaedic practice and their influence on training opportunities for surgeons.

The webinar discussed the evolving landscape of orthopaedic services, and provided invaluable insights, including the perspective of trainees on PAs in trauma and orthopaedics.

The recording is now available to view here on YouTube.

Royal Osteoporosis Society’s Better Bones campaign

The Royal Osteoporosis Society is continuing its Better Bones campaign with the Sunday Express for universal, quality Fracture Liaison Services. In the lead up to the Budget, ROS would greatly appreciate it if you were able to raise the campaign and its aims in any meetings you have with Parliamentarians or officials and post on social media about the campaign.

The Society remains committed to achieving the Better Bones campaign’s goals. The Better Bones campaign is calling for:

  •     A mandate from Government that everyone over 50 should be covered by a quality FLS;
  •     £30m per year additional investment in FLS to fill the gaps in population coverage and quality;
  •     A national Clinical Director to lead the change.


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NRAS Live: NEIAA 5 years on

Join the monthly NRAS Live on Wednesday 28th February. This month, Clare will be in discussion with Professor James Galloway, who will be presenting 5 years of the National Early Inflammatory Arthritis Audit (NEIAA). James is the Analytics Lead for the NEIAA and an Academic Rheumatologist, Senior Lecturer at King’s College London.  There will be a panel discussion as to what five years of data gathering has brought to light, what’s changed over the years and how such national audits drive improvements in patient care.…

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New Injection Therapy CPD Day course

SOMM has launched a new Injection Therapy CPD Day course, beginning in in Belfast and Liverpool.

This 1-day course aims to provide injection therapists with a one-stop update and refresher. It is an essential CPD activity in demonstrating ongoing capabilities, currency and continued professional development in injection therapy and for your portfolio.

The teaching takes the form of lecture, demonstration, group work, case study and tutorials.

Find more information on SOMM’s website

SOMM’s Annual General Meeting

The Society of Musculoskeletal Medicine (SOMM) will be holding its Annual General Meeting online on Tuesday 27th February 2024 at 18.00.

This will be an exciting opportunity to find out more about SOMM as it moves forward in the MSK education space. 

Nominations for election of Trustees to the Board (SOMM’s Council) are invited beforehand or may be tabled on the day.

Please contact Christine Williams, Society Manager, for more information and for the link to the meeting: admin@sommcourses.org.

Future of MSK Health in the UK event

COEI logoThere will be an exhibition entitled ‘The Future of Musculoskeletal (MSK) Health in the UK,’ which the Council For Osteopathic Education Institutes (COEI) is organizing in the Upper Waiting Hall, Palace of Westminster, between 4th and 8th of March 2024.

The COEI group would be very grateful if you were able to advertise the event to any MPs and Peers who you think might be interested in attending.

For further details, please contact either Robert Thomas on Robert.Thomas@bcnogroup.ac.uk or Steph Edghill Steph.Edghill@bcnogroup.ac.uk

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Diploma in MSK Medicine

Demonstrate your clinical knowledge in MSK care with the Diploma in Musculoskeletal Medicine.

The Diploma has been developed to support the multi-professional workforce that is evolving to meet the growing need for optimal care of musculoskeletal conditions by demonstrating applied knowledge in this important field.

The examination and associated qualification recognise excellence in MSK care and provide a benchmark of quality for both service commissioners and patients.

The standard setting exam takes place on May 7th 2024. Learn more about the exam and how to apply here.

National Voices’ Manifesto for Equitable Healthcare

manifesto coverIn what is very likely to be an election year, National Voices have shared their Manifesto for Equitable Healthcare – which puts forth three general election priorities.

Co-produced with National Voices’ members, the manifesto is supported by a common theme – ensuring that the NHS works for all, not just those who know how to navigate the system or who come from more privileged backgrounds.

The manifesto seeks to remind politicians that adopting these priorities will not just improve things for patients but will also help drive NHS stability and wider economic benefits.…

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Societal Inequalities and Disparities in Pain Management

inequalities in pain managementThe latest Airing Pain Podcast, Societal Inequalities and Disparities in Pain Management, is available now.

This edition investigates the significant inequalities and disparities in treatment among primary care pain management services.
Does gender, ethnicity, disability and locality affect access and quality of pain care?

Listen now.

Taking part in this discussion:

  • Professor Jonathan Hill is the Director of Research for the School of Allied Health Professionals, and a Professor of Physiotherapy, in the Keele School of Medicine;
  • Dr Ama Kissie is a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Ghent and a Clinical Psychologist;
  • Dr Whitney Scott is a clinical psychologist who lectures at Kings College London and is the research lead at the INPUT Pain Management Unit at Guy’s & St Thomas’ Hospital.


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